Rajasthan Petrol Pump Strike: Rajasthan Petrol Pump Strike from June 1: VAT Cut Demanded

Reasons for the Strike and Dealer Grievances

The association states that rising prices and a critical supply shortage have forced them to take this step. Dealers allege that the government and oil companies are ignoring their problems. In a letter to CM Bhajanlal Sharma, they clarified that if no solution is found by June 1, 2026, pumps across the state will shut down.

Administrative Neglect and Communication Gap

Association President Rajendra Singh Bhati mentioned they have been sending emails and letters for meetings with the Secretary level. However, no positive response has been received. Even phone calls from dealers are being ignored. This has caused immense resentment among dealers, leading them towards the path of protest.

Deepening Fuel Supply Crisis

The biggest issue currently is the irregular supply of petrol and diesel. Many petrol pumps in the state are going 'dry' daily. Oil companies have limited the quantity of fuel. Indian Oil has set a limit of 50,000 for diesel and 5,000 for petrol per customer through verbal orders. This is causing panic among the public.

Arbitrary Rules by Oil Companies

Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum have also cut supplies. Dealers claim these instructions violate the Control Act-2000 and MSHSD Control Act-2005. If any operator provides fuel beyond the limit, unilateral action is taken against them. This creates confusion and leads to long queues at pumps.

Demand for VAT Rate Reduction

VAT rates in Rajasthan are much higher than in neighboring states. The association has demanded that VAT rates be brought on par with Punjab. They insist on an immediate 5% reduction. Due to high VAT, fuel in Rajasthan is among the most expensive in the country, hurting both consumers and dealers.

Transparency and Flowmeters

Dealers have reiterated the demand for installing flowmeters at petrol pumps and oil depots. They argue that until there is transparency in the entire supply chain, blaming only dealers is unfair. They want modern technology to prevent fuel theft and manipulation during transportation.

Impact on Farmers and Rural Areas

During the rain and sowing season, farmers need diesel the most. However, oil companies have banned providing diesel in drums. This could severely affect agricultural activities in rural areas. Dealers have highlighted this issue prominently, demanding the immediate removal of such restrictions.

Unpaid Dues for Government Rallies

Another critical issue is the unpaid dues for fuel supplied on credit during government rallies and PM visits. Dealers claim that lakhs of rupees are still pending payment. This has placed a heavy financial burden on pump operators, who are now running from pillar to post for their money.

Until there is transparency in the supply chain and VAT is reduced, the exploitation of dealers will not stop. We don't want to trouble the public, but we have no choice.

Branded Fuel and Illegal Trade

The association is also unhappy with the pressure to sell branded fuel. Customers are unwilling to buy expensive branded petrol, yet companies are forcing quotas. Additionally, action has been demanded against the illegal trade of biodiesel and base oil, where the administration remains silent despite complaints.

Price Disparity in CNG

CNG prices in Rajasthan are significantly higher than in Haryana and Punjab. Huge price differences across different districts make consumers feel cheated. The association demands price uniformity across the state to provide relief to all consumers and maintain fair competition.

Conclusion

This warning from the association is a major challenge for the government. If talks do not succeed by June 1, the state's transport system and daily life will be severely affected. All eyes are now on CM Bhajanlal Sharma to see how he resolves this impending crisis and addresses the dealers' concerns.

*Edit with Google AI Studio