Pune Petrol Dealers Association to go on indefinite strike from October 15
Pune Fuel Dealers To Stop Tanker Services From October 15 Over Unfair Practices and Theft Issues ( Representational Image )
Petroleum dealers and transporters in Pune are planning to start an indefinite strike on October 15, 2024. The strike is due to ongoing problems with oil companies, such as unfair contract terms and frequent thefts during fuel transportation. The association, which includes 900 dealers and transporters, says they won’t send their tankers to terminals for fuel loading until their concerns are addressed. They have raised these issues with the oil companies and authorities before but haven’t seen any action.
Dhruv Ruparel of the Pune Petrol Dealers Association informed Pune Pulse that the dealers want their demands to be met. Along with Pune Dealers, now even Satara dealers have supported the agitation. Over 500 dealers from Satara city have extended their support.
Demands:
1. Cancel Current Contracts: The dealers want all current contracts canceled because they are not workable and lead to thefts.
2. Investigate Officers: They are calling for an investigation and suspension of oil company officers involved in these problems.
Main Issues:
- 1. Unfair Contract Terms: Oil companies are offering contracts at very low rates. Some transporters are forced to accept these rates and end up being involved in thefts to survive, with 65% of those caught by police.
- 2. Safety Risks: The rate bands offered by oil companies are unreasonable, and they are ignoring important safety rules. This is dangerous for the public as it involves transporting hazardous materials like petrol.
- 3. Theft Ignored: Despite repeated reports of thefts, oil companies haven’t taken action. Over 10 theft cases have been reported in two years, with the latest one involving the Pune police.
- 4. System Failures: Despite having safety systems like e-locking and vehicle tracking, thefts still occur. This shows that oil company officers aren’t doing their jobs properly.
- 5. Officer Accountability: Officers responsible for overseeing transportation are often involved in helping thefts but are not being punished.
The association has informed the Ministry of Petroleum, local authorities, and oil companies about their planned protest in advance to avoid disruptions for the public.
