CNG dealers to strike work tomorrow

The deadlock between the Petrol Pump Owners' Association and the Mahanagar Gas Limited (MGL) over the commission rates for sale of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the city continued on Monday. 

Ravi Shinde of the association said there has been no word from the MGL over the issue and the owners have no option but to go on strike.

"The call to observe a strike from November 2 has not been taken back. Since there is no communication from the MGL, we are forced to take such an extreme measure," he said.

The MGL released a statement saying the commission rates are not the company's responsibility and the dealers should ask the oil marketing companies to increase the rates. “...MGL has valid agreements with oil marketing companies (OMCs) for dispensation of CNG at their outlets. The commission paid to petrol dealers is the sole responsibility of the OMCs. Hence, MGL is not involved in deciding the commission paid to the petrol dealers.”

The MGL has a monopoly over CNG supply in the Mumbai metropolitan region, which includes Thane and Navi Mumbai. The strike, if effected, may put commuters in a fix, as over one lakh autos, 48,000 taxis, 3,000 fleet cabs and nearly 2,500 BEST buses will stay off the road.