Petrol dealers in UP on strike

Petrol pump dealers in Uttar Pradesh today went on a strike to demand reduction of state taxes on diesel and petrol.

The strike was called by the Uttar Pradesh Petroleum Traders Association (UPPTA), which asked for 11 per cent tax on diesel and 20 per cent tax on petrol.

"We demand that the tax on diesel and petrol should be reduced to 11 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively, as the sale of petrol pumps in UP is going down considerably especially that of diesel," UPPTA State President B N Shukla told reporters here.

He said due to low taxes in the neighbouring states, Uttar Pradesh had witnessed decline in its sale of diesel, which was mainly used by farmers and for transport.

"We have decided to continue our strike till positive response comes from the UP government. This is in interest of the public," he said, adding the rate of petrol and diesel increased from Rs 12.78 and Rs 5.46 in 1990 to Rs 48.53 and Rs 34.75 now, respectively.