Guntur: Motorists faced hardships on Monday due to the strike organised by the petroleum dealers in the state demanding that 4 per cent VAT hike on petroleum products should be revoked. According to the AP Petroleum Dealers’ Association president Ravi Gopalakrishna, nearly 52 lakh motorists faced hardships in the state due to the one-day strike.
He explained that about Rs 90 crore sales halted at about 2,600 bunks in the entire state. He warned the state government that they would intensify the strike if it fails to reduce the extra 4 per cent VAT on petrol and diesel.
He said that the dealers were incurring losses due to VAT hike and that the government should rethink its decision. He said that with due to additional VAT, both the government and the petrol dealers were unable to realise the potential of the business as many consumers on the National Highways were going to neighboring states to fuel their vehicles. Petrol dealers intend to exert pressure on the government as Monday was the first day of monsoon session of state Assembly.
Mixed response for strike in Prakasam, Kurnool
There was mixed response for the strike organised by petroleum dealers opposing 4 per cent VAT hike, in Prakasam district on Monday. In response to call given by state association, they observed 24-hour strike from Sunday midnight to register their protest.
While there are over 220 petrol bunks in Prakasam district, some in Ongole city and rural areas remained open. On the other hand, outlets owned by oil companies remained opened open. Due to VAT hike, the lorry drivers and motorists are fuelling their vehicles in other states.
Dealers in 13 districts have participated in the bandh, said the APFPT vice-president and Kurnool general secretary Mr Kishore said. Around 2,750 retail outlets in the state remained closed.
