Guwahati, 12 November (H.S.): Motorists and other fuel consumers in Guwahati and Kamrup districts faced considerable inconvenience on Thursday as petrol pumps remained shut following a 24-hour strike called by petroleum dealers. Long queues and confusion were witnessed at several fuel stations, while many customers returned disappointed without getting petrol or diesel.

The shutdown, which began at 6 am on Thursday, will continue until 6 am on Friday, November 13. The protest has been organised by the Guwahati branch of the North East India Petroleum Dealers Association (NEIPDA) as part of its 'No Purchase, No Sale' agitation against alleged harassment and arbitrary decisions by oil marketing companies (OMCs).

The association has warned that the agitation could escalate into an indefinite shutdown from November 23 if the grievances of petroleum dealers remain unaddressed.

NEIPDA has accused Indian Oil Corporation and other oil marketing companies of adopting arbitrary practices, threatening to disrupt fuel supplies and taking decisions without following proper procedures or giving dealers an opportunity to present their side.

Among the major grievances raised by the dealers are alleged threats to stop petrol and diesel supplies over purported violations of rules, cancellation of the tank-truck consortium arrangement without prior notice and pressure on dealers to purchase additional products, particularly lubricants.

The association has also alleged that facilities for loading fuel have been stopped and dealers are being compelled to install Point-of-Sale (POS) machines despite concerns over outstanding payments and financial losses.

Other issues include alleged arbitrary deductions from dealers' SAP accounts and delays in reimbursing approved subsidies and payments made to meet the requirements of the Legal Metrology Department.

According to NEIPDA, oil marketing companies are exceeding their authority and taking unilateral decisions that adversely affect petroleum dealers. The association has also objected to the alleged forced sale of products that customers are unwilling to purchase, resulting in stocks occupying valuable space at retail outlets and causing financial losses.

The dealers have demanded restoration of cancelled agreements, reversal of arbitrary deductions, clearance of pending payments and an end to the alleged practice of forcing them to purchase and sell lubricants.

NEIPDA has cautioned that failure to resolve these issues could lead to an indefinite strike from November 23, potentially disrupting petroleum supply across Assam.------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash