NRL, which unlike other three public sector oil marketing companies, namely Indian Oil (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL), does not enjoy any compensation from the government to offset its losses, had last week taken a decision to revise its retail prices in wake of rising crude oil prices.
The decision has now been put on hold temporarily as it drew flak from various quarters.
The dealers and owner of retail outlets feared that if retail prices were hiked then there would be no taker at NRL outlets.
The influential All Assam Students Union (AASU) too vented its indignation at the decision of the company.
A company official informed that NRL would take up the matter with the centre and ask for compensation in order to provide a level playing field.
The official added that for the time being NRL would restrict its supply of petrol and diesel to its retail outlets with a view to check the increasing marketing losses.
NRL has 108 retail outlets across the country, with maximum concentration in North Eastern Region. After successful commissioning of the refinery in the year 2000, NRL ventured into retail marketing from the year 2004.
NRL is based at Numaligarh in central Assam
