Petrol-Diesel ban in ‘these’ states from June 1, demands from govt including reduction of VAT, or else preparing to go on strike

Petrol Diesel Crisis: On the one hand, while inflation has flared up, on the other hand, a different problem has arisen in the country due to petrol-diesel. As the prices of petrol and diesel are increasing, it is having a big impact on the common man. Currently, an important news is coming out from Rajasthan. There is a possibility of shortage of petrol and diesel in the state from June 1. The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association has warned that if the government does not accept their demands, petrol pump drivers across the state will go on an indefinite strike from June 1. Let us understand the matter in detail.

The Rajasthan Petroleum Dealers Association has written to Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma seeking immediate intervention in the matter and also requested to hold a meeting before June 1. Association president Rajendra Singh Bhati alleges that despite repeated letters and emails, no meeting has taken place at the principal secretary level yet. The main complaint of dealers is about disrupted supply of petrol and diesel; Due to this situation, the fuel stock at many petrol pumps in the state is getting depleted every day.

The organization has clarified that petroleum companies have reduced fuel supply through verbal instructions and WhatsApp messages. Even worse, pump operators selling fuel above the prescribed limit are being prosecuted and their licenses are being suspended. Not only this, dealers are being pressured to sell expensive branded fuel, despite sluggish demand.

The organization has also highlighted the plight of farmers. Just before the monsoon and sowing season, farmers are banned from supplying diesel from drums. This decision is likely to create a serious crisis in rural areas. At the same time, millions of rupees worth of fuel supplied on loan during government meetings and Prime Minister’s visits are still outstanding, putting a huge financial strain on dealers.

VAT on petrol and diesel should be reduced by at least 5%.

The tax rates should be brought at par with the rates in Punjab.

Interrupted fuel supply should be restored immediately.

Illegal trade in bio-diesel and ‘base oil’ must be stopped.

Pending arrears of official tours should be paid immediately.

Union president Rajendra Singh Bhati says fuel prices in Rajasthan are the highest in the country due to high VAT. Also, CNG rates are also significantly higher than neighboring states like Haryana and Punjab. If the government does not resolve this at the earliest, the wheels of Rajasthan may grind to a halt from June 1. And it is likely to affect other states as well.