Petrol outlets strike enters day two in UP

Lucknow, Dec 27: Petroleum outlets indefinite strike in Uttar Pradesh today entered the second day even as there was no effort by the state government to pacify the agitating petroleum traders.

About 4,000 outlets in the state are on an indefinite strike since yesterday, demanding an immediate reduction in sales tax on petroleum products and keeping it on par with other adjoining states.

Uttar Pradesh Petroleum Traders Association has called for an indefinite strike in the state after the Mulayam Singh Yadav government failed to accept their demands even after making several assurances.

The Association is demanding reduction of tax on petrol and diesel from 21 to 12 per cent like it is being charged in Delhi, Haryana, Uttaranchal and Punjab.

Association president B N Shukla told UNI here in the day that there is no move from the UP government to end the strike as the Chief Minister was yet to call traders for any meeting.

He said the association had already promised the government to cover up the loss of around Rs 800 crore annually for reducing the taxes on petroleum products by enhancing other resources.

''The consumers will benefit if the state government concedes our demand as petrol and diesel prices in the state will be cheaper by at least Rs 3.50 per litre,'' Mr Shukla said.

He said all the petroleum outlets in the state except for those which are owned by the oil companies were extending support to the agitation and there is no question of withdrawing the strike till the state government accept their demands.

At present there are 35 petroleum outlets in the state owned by public sector oil companies, of which two are in the state capital.

Criticising the political parties for not supporting the agitation which is in the interest of the public, the association president said traders will not compromise on the issue with the state government.

''We are forced to take up the path of agitation as our outlets were suffering huge losses mostly in the bordering areas of Delhi and Haryana due to cheap petroleum products there,'' he added.

Mr Shukla also blamed the state officials of coming in the way of the Chief Minister to accept the genuine demand of the association.

In the state capital, long queques were witnessed at the two company owned petroleum outlets. Vehicular traffic in the State was affected due to the strike.

Meanwhile sources said chief minister Mr Yadav is expected to meet the association leaders this evening to evolve a consensus to end the strike.

UNI

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