The LDF government has warned petrol dealers in Kerala of tough action if they went ahead with their decision to down shutters during night and Sundays.
District collectors had been instructed to take strong action, including "seizure of the stations", against the dealers if they closed down everyday after 8 pm and remain shut on Sundays as any such move would cause severe hardship to the common man.
According to the office of Civil Supplies Minister C Divakaran, a high-level meeting of district collectors, police officials and senior officers of the civil supplies department would be convened soon to discuss the issue.
All Kerala Federation of Petroleum dealers had last week announced to follow the above decision from August 18, saying it was unprofitable to keep the stations open round the clock.
The Federation alleged retail fuel outlets were compelled to sell costly premium and branded fuel on meagre rates of commission.
The dealers' move had sparked widespread protests with political parties, youth outfits and trade unions coming out against it.
Bus operators associations have also expressed strong resentment at the decision as most of the private buses run on fuel filled on daily collection.
The move also came under criticism from tour operators as most of the long-distance tours are conducted on weekends.
Another sector to be hit by the decision would be emergency services like ambulances and short-distance modes of transport such as auto rickshaws and taxis, transport sector unions said.
