Guwahati, November 8: Petrol pumps across Assam are set to suspend fuel sales for 24 hours on November 12 as petroleum dealers launch a protest against alleged harassment and arbitrary decisions by oil marketing companies (OMCs).
The proposed shutdown has been announced by the North East India Petroleum Dealers’ Association (NEIPDA) over a series of grievances concerning fuel supply, transportation agreements, financial deductions and alleged pressure to purchase additional products.
According to a press release issued by NEIPDA’s Greater Guwahati Unit on October 28, the proposed closure will begin at 6 am on November 12 and continue until 6 am on November 13.
The association has also warned of an indefinite shutdown from November 23 if the oil marketing companies fail to resolve the issues raised by petroleum dealers.
NEIPDA Accuses Oil Companies of Arbitrary Decisions
The petroleum dealers’ association has raised concerns over the functioning of oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), alleging that several decisions are adversely affecting dealers’ business operations and financial interests.
One of the major complaints relates to alleged threats to suspend the supply of Motor Spirit (MS) and High-Speed Diesel (HSD) over suspected violations without following due process or providing dealers an opportunity to present their side.
The association has also objected to the cancellation of tank-truck transportation consortium arrangements without prior notice.
It has further alleged that dealers are being pressured to purchase additional products, including lubricants, despite limited customer demand.
Fuel Loading Facilities, POS Machines Among Key Concerns
NEIPDA has also alleged that fuel-loading facilities at certain outlets have been blocked.
The association has questioned the pressure on dealers to install Point of Sale (POS) machines despite pending payments and concerns over possible financial losses.
Other grievances include alleged deductions from dealers’ SAP accounts and delays in reimbursing approved subsidies and expenses incurred to comply with requirements prescribed by the Legal Metrology Department.
Dealers Raise Concerns Over Forced Product Purchases
NEIPDA General Secretary Arup Goswami has alleged that petroleum dealers are being subjected to harassment without being given adequate opportunities to explain their position.
He has also raised concerns over the alleged practice of pushing products that customers do not regularly purchase.
According to the association, unsold products occupy valuable space at petrol pumps, increase financial burdens on dealers and may also create safety concerns due to storage requirements.
What Are the Demands of Petroleum Dealers?
The association has demanded that oil marketing companies address the grievances and take corrective measures.
Its key demands include:
- Restoration of cancelled tank-truck transportation agreements.
- Withdrawal of disputed deductions from dealers’ accounts.
- Clearance of pending reimbursements and approved subsidies.
- An end to alleged pressure on dealers to purchase additional products, including lubricants.
- Proper opportunity for dealers to explain their position before any action is taken against them.
Indefinite Shutdown Warning from November 23
The proposed 24-hour shutdown on November 12 could be followed by a longer disruption if the dispute remains unresolved.
NEIPDA’s Greater Guwahati Unit has warned that petroleum dealers may suspend operations indefinitely from November 23 if oil marketing companies fail to address their demands.
The proposed protest could affect fuel availability and inconvenience motorists, public transport operators and commercial vehicle owners across the state.
The response of oil marketing companies to the allegations and demands raised by petroleum dealers is now likely to be crucial in determining whether the proposed shutdown can be avoided.
