Deora appeals to Maharashtra petrol dealers to refrain from strike

New Delhi, Sep 2 (UNI) Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora today appealed to the dealers of petroleum products in Maharashtra not to resort to protest closure of retail outlets as proposed by them tomorrow, saying it would cause ''avoidable difficulties'' to the people.

Mr Deora said the demand of the dealers that they be provided with marker testing kit was unjustified as the ''new system of marking kerosene has been started with the objective of preventing adulteration of petroleum products.'' He also pointed out that this position had been upheld by various High Courts.

The Minister said the system of marker had been introduced by oil companies to detect adulteration of petroleum products and marker testing kits were being used by them so that ''pure and quality products are supplied to consumers.'' UNI