No compromise with petrol pump owners, says Maharashtra govt

As around 2,200 petrol pumps in Maharashtra went on an indefinite strike, the Centre today gave the state government sweeping powers, including that seizing retail fuel pumps, for maintaining supplies.

The state government ruled out any compromise with the striking dealers, stating the Essential Commodities Act had been invoked and a plan put in place to meet any shortage.

The petrol pump dealers, under the Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers' Association, said they would keep the "dry" outlets open since its members were "unable to purchase fuel for want of money."

While the federation said the strike had been near total, the government claimed around 77 per cent of the 2,774 pumps were open till 3pm.

"We have made plans to counter any shortage," Food and Civil Supplies Secretary KP Bakshi said.

The government said it could not cut sales tax on fuel unless other states brought it down to 20 per cent.

"If we reduce the tax even by a per cent, we face a loss of almost Rs 180 crore per day. States like Punjab charge an 8 per cent tax on diesel, which we cannot compete with," a government official said.