Deora appeals to petrol dealers to call off strike in Maharashtra

NEW DELHI: Petroleum Minister Murli Deora has appealed to petrol pump dealers in Maharashtra to call off their strike so that consumers are not put to any difficulty.

"In his appeal to the dealers, he has said that he is sympathetic to the dealers' demands for reduction in sales tax rates, which is the highest in the country," a statement from the ministry said in New Delhi.

Several petrol pumps were shut on Monday in Maharashtra as about 2,200 dealers began an idefinite strike demanding lower state- imposed sales tax on auto fuel.

Sales tax in Maharashtra is higher than neighbouring states, leading to loss of business for fuel retailers.

Maharashtra imposes 33 per cent sales tax on diesel and 28 per cent on petrol while neighbouring states such as Gujarat levies 23.5 per cent on diesel and 26 per cent on petrol and Goa levies 21 per cent on diesel and 22 per cent on petrol.

Deora pointed out that he had raised the issue with the state government and had also facilitated a meeting of the representatives of retail outlet dealers of Maharashtra with
the Chief Minister on the issue.

The Petroleum Minister impressed upon the dealers that maintenance of supply line to the customers was top most priority and should remain so to everyone concerned even under trying circumstances.

"I therefore strongly appeal to the dealers to immediately call off their strike," Deora said.