VASCO/panjim: Making an appeal to the people of Goa and urging them not to step on gas and get panicky following the petrol and diesel retailers across the country plan to remain closed on Sundays beginning May 10, the All Goa Petrol Pump Owners Association (AGPPOA) President Paresh Joshi on Tuesday confirmed in case, the petrol pumps in Goa decided to curtail its service timings, they would give sufficient notice to customers to adjust themselves, so that they are not left high and dry.
The fuel retailers could also decide to be operational only for 8-9 hours on weekdays, according to several media reports.
The Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD) meeting, attended by representatives from various states, has threatened to close fuel pumps on Sundays if their demand for an increase in dealer’s commission is not fulfilled by the Centre.
In January, petrol pump owners had withdrawn their strike after public oil companies assured them of a revision in commission rates. So far, no concrete decision has been taken on the matter.
According to an Indian Oil Corporation circular, dealer commission on petrol currently stands at Rs 2.56 per litre while on diesel, the commission is Rs 1.65 per litre as on April 1.
On May 10, there will be ‘no purchase’ of diesel or petrol. From May 14 onwards, petrol pumps will remain closed on Sundays.
“Our fight is not with customers. We would extend all possible services, however even if we have to take such drastic step to curtail our service timings due to non-fulfillment of our pending demands with oil companies, then we would give sufficient timing to the customer to adjust themselves,” Joshi said.
Commenting on the impact on customers in Goa once petrol pumps starts implementing its decision, he said that “There would be some effect but I don’t think the same would be drastic. Customers will have reschedule their plan to buy vehicle fuel in advance before the pump closing time, however during emergencies, there would be some problem. Let us not look at the extremity at this stage and let hope that the issue would be settled” Joshi concluded.
