Taxi, auto unions protest petrol pump shutdown

Warning the Chief Minister of disruptions as well as law-and-order situation on the roads if petrol pump dealers beg in their planned agitation from Sunday, the taxi as well as auto unions have written letters asking the state to intervene in the matter at the earliest.

The Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers Association (FAMPEDA) stated that the oil companies despite signing an agreement assuring a hike in dealers commission in January have not kept their word. Petrol pumps and CNG stations will be shut on Sunday and will operate only between 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays.

"This will inturn affect the public as there will be no autos as the drivers will be struggling to fill gas at CNG stations. We will barely be able to run an auto in one shift and if this issue is not resolved the state government has to compensate all the auto drivers who will face huge losses," said Thambi Kurien, working president of Mumbai Rickshawmen Union, who sent a letter to the CM and Transport Minister Divakar Raote on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Anthony Quadros, general secretary, Mumbai Taximen's Union said that it was the responsibility of the state to resolve this crisis. A member from FAMPEDA said that the matter was still not resolved and they were awaiting for the oil companies to respond.

..and analysis

The road transport system will crash if petrol pumps decide to go ahead. Its a Catch-22 situation for the auto, cab drivers as well as locals who have to bear the brunt due to the tussle between petrol dealers and oil companies.