In light of the Farmers Protest, a Bharat Bandh will be observed on February 16th. Due to the Bandh, panic was stirred amongst the general public regarding the status of petrol and diesel in Punjab. This was further given weight due to Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association Punjab (PPDAP) announcing that no oil will be bought on Feb 15 in soft protest against oil companies regarding the dealer’s margin. However, a spokesperson for PPDAP, Monty Sehgal cleared all grievances:
While talking to the media, spokesperson of Petrol Pump Diesel Association Punjab, Monty Sehgal said that his organization will close petrol pumps in all the districts of Punjab from 10 am to 4 pm tomorrow in support of the farmers in Kisan Andolan 2.0. He said that people can get oil from the petrol pump till 10 am in the morning. Due to the oil companies not revising the oil price, today they are not taking oil from the oil companies in soft protest.
Monty Sehgal said that a memorandum was submitted to the oil companies from almost all the states across India on the 18th of January. In which it was said that the margin will be revised and due to this, petrol pumps will be closed across Punjab on 22nd. Petrol pump dealers are on the verge of closure due to oil companies not getting the right margin. He has appealed to the people to keep their vehicles filled with petrol and diesel on 21st because all the petrol pumps of his association will remain closed on 22nd (February).
Due to Farmers Movement 2.0, Petrol Pump Diesel Association Punjab is with the farmers every step of the way. He said that in Punjab, the economy of petrol pumps is linked with farmers and agriculture. 30 to 35% of the revenue at petrol pumps in Punjab comes from farmers. Therefore, the association fully supports the farmers.
Issuing a statement, Petroleum Dealers Association Secretary Rajesh Kumar said that media reports have revealed that someone has announced a strike from 15 to 22 days using the name of his organization. This alarm that he condemns and that nothing like this is being done by his organization. He said that he is continuing the round of talks with oil companies regarding his demands. A meeting is going to be held with oil companies in Mumbai on the coming 22nd. Going on strike is not a right step and it should be the last resort to reach our demands. He said that people do not need to worry about anything, petrol pumps will continue to operate and there is no problem or trouble regarding oil at petrol pumps.