Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association (RPDA) withdrew its strike on Monday after holding discussions with the state government. The association, which had demanded a reduction in the value-added tax (VAT) on petrol and diesel, decided to call off the strike, according to ANI reports.
The strike, which began on Sunday, saw petrol pumps across Rajasthan remaining closed as RPDA pressed for lower taxes and other demands. The association's primary demand was a decrease in VAT rates, which prompted the shutdown starting at 6 AM on Sunday and scheduled to continue until March 12.
The decision to go on strike was made during a meeting held by the association on Friday. The meeting, attended by office-bearers from all districts, was conducted virtually and culminated in a unanimous agreement to protest by closing fuel stations.
The association has been advocating for a reduction in VAT rates and an end to the 'forced' sale of lubricating oil and premium products at petrol pumps in the state. However, after talks with the state government, the association has decided to withdraw the strike, bringing relief to motorists and commuters across Rajasthan.
President of RPDA Rajendra Singh Bhati had said, "On Monday, the stirking pump owners will gather at Statue Circle in Jaipur at 12 noon and take out a procession that will culminate at the secretariat. We regret the inconvenience the public will face during the strike, and we appeal for support from the people so that the government reduces VAT rates, and people facing price rise get relief."
Earlier, the state association had said that fuel prices have been on the rise in the past seven years, however, the same growth has not been seen in the margin of the petrol pump owners.