Petro dealers clarify on premium fuels

Chennai, Jun 24 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers Association (TNDA) today expressed regret over the proposed agitation by the transport association in protest against petroleum dealers selling only branded fuels.

Talking to mediapersons here, TNDA president M Kannan said there was no point in the transporters blaming the dealers for selling branded fuels.

''Like every consumer, the transporters are aware and everything is open to the consumer public about the reality of availability of the fuel.

''Under these circumstances, the petrol pump dealers have no option but to meet the expectations of the oil companies,'' he added.

Due to compulsion by oil companies, petroleum dealers were forced to sell premimum fuel in retail outlets.

Mr Kannan also urged the Union Petroleum Ministry and oil companies to come out with a clear statement through advertisement in the media bearing responsibility for the scarcity of ordinary petrol and diesel in various outlets in the state.

''In Tamil Nadu, there were 3,200 outlets, which almost doubled in the last three years. Before the hike in fuel prices, the oil marketing companies supplied as per the dealer's indent order.

''But now, after the price hike, the oil companies are delivering only branded petrol and diesel, which leads to indirect rationing of ordinary fuel.

''All the dealers would be meeting on June 26 to discuss the problem of scarcity of ordinary fuel and chalk out the future course of action,'' he informed.

He said the proposed agitation would cause inconvenience to the consumers in entering into the petrol pumps for their emergency requirements.

''The Petroleum Ministry has also assured the supply position of regular fuels will improve in due course,'' he said.

UNI SNR SV HT1857