Bengaluru, Nov 3 (DHNS): Fuel stations across the state are likely to go dry on Thursday and Friday as dealers have refused to purchase diesel and petrol.
Petrol pumps will not remain shut. However, with no purchase of fuel, the stations are expected to go dry by Thursday afternoon.
Petroleum dealers are protesting, seeking implementation of the Apurva Chandra Committee recommendations, which had suggested an increase in the commission given to them. The protest is in support of the agitation call given by the All India Petroleum Dealers Association (AIPDA) in connection with the poor revision in dealer margin prices.
The dealer margin was announced earlier this month by oil marketing companies.
In a note, H S Manjappa, president, Karnataka State Federation of Petroleum Dealers (KSFPD), said they also have demands related to ethanol blending, transport tenders and toilet maintenance.
On October 19 and 26, the dealers held the first phase of their protest by switching off lights and suspending sale of fuel for 15 minutes.
“Not being given an ear, we had no choice but to make sure there is no purchase,” said Sanaulla Anees, vice-president, KSFPD.
The dealers have threatened to go on a no purchase, no sale strike from November 15, if their demands are not met.
According to sources in AIPDA, the situation will stabilise only by comimg Tuesday.