Oil companies urge MMC not close down pumps
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, AUG 30
Oil companies which allegedly owe huge arrears running into lakhs of rupees to the Margao Municipality by way of rent has asked the civic body not to use coercive action, including closure of the petrol pumps, warning that the Municipality will be solely responsible for any law and order problem arising out of any action.
The Territory Manager of Bharat Petroleum also called for the intervention of the South Goa district Collector, besides the Director of Food and Civil supplies on the issue.
Incidentally, for the first time, Bharat Petroleum asked the civic body to grant a month’s time to deposit the rent, including arrears, saying the company is in the process of obtaining approval of higher authorities for deposit of rent.
Requesting MMC Chief Officer Y B Tawde to grant one month’s time to deposit the rent, the BP Territory Manager further requested the civic body not to proceed with any coercive action, including closure of petrol pumps as threatened in the municipal notice dated July 26.
“In spite of our request, if you unilaterally close down the outlets, there would be disruption of supply of petroleum products in Margao. Being under essential commodities, the public would be inconvenienced, which might lead to law and order problem in Margao. The onus of this will then solely lie with the Margao Municipal Council,” warned the territory manager.
MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho, however, said that there cannot be any law and order problem when the civic body is only demanding payment of rent amounting to Rs 34.83 lakh.
He said the civic body has sent a demand notice on Bharat Petroleum to pay rent to the tune of Rs 21,93,809 and on Hindustan petroleum for payment of rent amounting to Rs 12,89,665. “This is the total arrears of rent upto October 31, 2009. The Council has also written to the District Collector to take necessary steps for shifting of the petrol pumps since the Council has not issued NOC to the oil companies to set up the pumps,” Coutinho asserted.
