Mumbai: From May 14 onwards, petrol pump across India are likely to remain closed on Sundays besides reducing their working hours from 9 am to 6 pm.
However, whether the call is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for a less fuel consumption regime or a simple pressure tactics employed by these dealers for getting a hike in commission on fuel sale is debatable.

The call has been given by Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers which has as many as 25000 petrol pumps in parts of Maharashtra and some pockets of southern India under its ambit. However fuel will be available for emergency services like ambulance as per the report.

Interestingly, the All India Petroleum Dealers’ Association has distanced itself from the announcement and said that it was not part of the agitation.

Earlier, the CIPD has raised its demand for a hike in commission on fuel sales. The government has still not taken any decision on the demand, but it is now expected that it will accelerate their procedure to redress appeal.

Mr Shinde also said the petrol dealers association will observe May 10 as a “No Purchase Day” to press for their demands. “Not much of disruption is expected, but it will be an indication for oil companies to take note that dealers are on war path,” he added.