Petroleum Dealers in Punjab Set for Statewide Shutdown: A Call for Fair Commission
This coming February 22, petroleum dealers in Punjab are gearing up for a statewide shutdown of petrol pumps and fuel stations. The announcement comes as a response to their long-standing demand for an increase in their commission, which has not been adjusted for seven years. The Chairman of the Petroleum Pump Dealers Association, Punjab, issued a statement that if the government does not take action, the strike might be extended.
Long Queues and Panic Buying: The Immediate Impact
The announcement has already led to long queues outside fuel stations in cities such as Ludhiana due to panic buying. The petroleum dealers have also stated that they will not purchase fuel from oil companies on February 15 as a protest, which will further impact the fuel supply to the general public on that day.
The Unseen Struggle: Seven Years of No Commission Hike
The petroleum dealers’ struggle goes beyond the immediate inconvenience caused by the shutdown. They have been grappling with financial strain for the past seven years due to the lack of a commission increase. The current commission rate of 3% is no longer enough to cover their operational costs, leading to mounting losses.
The Road Ahead: A Plea for Government Intervention
The petroleum dealers are now looking to the government for intervention. They are calling for an increase in commission to a reasonable rate that would allow them to sustain their businesses. The shutdown serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fair compensation for those who provide essential services.
As February 22 approaches, the common people across the state brace themselves for the impending fuel shortage. The petroleum dealers’ plea for a commission increase echoes through the long queues outside fuel stations, highlighting the human element behind today’s breaking news.
Read More: Petroleum Dealers in Punjab Demand Fair Commission: Statewide Shutdown Looms