Delhi govt urges petrol pump operators not to strike on Oct 28

Delhi government on Tuesday appealed to petrol pump operators in the city not to go ahead with their decision to shut their outlets on October 28 demanding reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT).

Delhi's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Harun Yusuf said the government consider examine the demand of the Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association as the Model Code of Conduct for assembly polls in the city was in place.

"I appeal to the petrol pump operators not to go ahead with their planned strike on October 28. We will not be able to look into the issue due to the Model Code of Conduct. I request them to wait for formation of the new government which will definitely examine their demand," Yusuf said.

VAT on diesel in Delhi is 12.5 % compared with about 9 % in Haryana, which makes it lucrative for truckers to tank up in the neighbouring state.

"All the 400 petrol pumps in Delhi will remain closed on that day and no diesel, petrol or CNG would be sold," Delhi Petrol Dealers Association president Atul Peshwaria had said yesterday.

A litre of diesel is Rs 1.50 costlier in Delhi due to higher VAT as compared to Haryana, he said.