The Hassan District Petroleum Dealers’ Association staged a protest in Hassan on Wednesday opposing the new system to revise fuel prices on a daily basis and demanding implementation of Justice Apoorva Chandra Committee’s recommendations with regard to the increase in the commission to the pump owners. The members of the association took part in the protest by closing the pump operations for a day.
The petrol outlet owners said with the introduction of the new system they had been facing many problems. Of the total 58,000 petrol stations in the country, more than 40% are located in rural areas, where there is no Internet. “Only those with automation facility can update the price without hassles. Otherwise, many of us have to update the price at 6 a.m. daily. This is cumbersome,” said B.S. Bhaskar, general secretary.
The Union government had earlier appointed Justice Apoorva Chandra Committee to look into the demands of the pump owners. The committee had recommended monthly honorarium for the pump owners, besides enhancement of the commission. “The government should implement the recommendations. At present we are getting only 2.5% commission from oil companies. The rate should be increased,” the protesters said.
They staged a dharna in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office and also submitted a memorandum to former Prime Minister and Hassan Lok Sabha member H.D. Deve Gowda, who was in the city.