Over 2,300 fuel pumps have stopped selling petrol and diesel to consumers as petroleum dealers have gone on an indefinite strike against hike in VAT on diesel in Haryana. However, the fuel pumps, which are directly owned by oil companies like Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL, are open.
Haryana Petroleum Dealers Association Senior Vice President Palwinder Singh Oberoi said that as many as 2,310 fuel pumps across Haryana are on strike. He said that Petroleum dealers will not buy and sell fuel till their demands are met with.
The petroleum dealers are demanding that tax on diesel should be lowered by 1-2 per cent than the rates prevailing in neighbouring states. Dealers have been demanding removal of 5 per cent surcharge on VAT and landing cost of crude oil at Panipat refinery from the state government.