M'shtra Petro dealers urged to withdraw strike

New Delhi, Sep 18: Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora has made a strong appeal to retail outlet dealers of Maharashtra to withdraw strike so that the consumers do not face problems.

In his appeal to the dealers, he has said that he is sympathetic to the dealers' demands for reduction in sales tax rates, which is the highest in the country.

He pointed out that this issue has been raised by him with the Maharashtra state government. He had also facilitated a meeting of the representatives of retail outlet dealers of Maharashtra with the state Chief Minister on the issue.

He has impressed upon the dealers that the maintenance of supply line to the customers is topmost priority and should remain so to everyone concerned even under trying circumstances. ''I therefore strongly appeal to the dealers to immediately call off their strike,'' Mr Deora has emphasised.

UNI