GUWAHATI, November 12: Petrol pumps across Assam remained closed for 24 hours from 6 am on November 12 as petroleum dealers launched a statewide ‘no-purchase, no-sale’ protest against alleged harassment and arbitrary practices by oil marketing companies (OMCs).
The shutdown, called by the North East India Petroleum Dealers’ Association (NEIPDA), is scheduled to continue until 6 am on November 13. The association has warned of an indefinite shutdown from November 23 if its demands are not addressed.
The dealers accused OMCs, including Indian Oil Corporation, of adopting high-handed practices, threatening fuel supply disruptions and taking unilateral decisions without following due process or allowing dealers to explain their position.
Their grievances included threats to suspend petrol and diesel supplies over alleged violations, cancellation of tank-truck consortium arrangements without prior notice and pressure to purchase additional products, particularly lubricants.
NEIPDA also alleged that oil companies had blocked fuel-loading facilities and compelled dealers to install point-of-sale machines despite concerns over pending payments and financial losses.
The association further accused the companies of making unilateral deductions from dealers’ SAP accounts and delaying reimbursements of approved subsidies and expenses incurred to meet Legal Metrology Department requirements.
NEIPDA general secretary Arup Goswami alleged that oil marketing companies were exceeding their authority and harassing dealers without giving them an opportunity to present their side.
He also raised concerns over the alleged forced sale of products that customers did not demand, claiming that such items accumulated at retail outlets, occupied storage space and caused considerable financial losses.
The association has demanded the restoration of cancelled agreements, withdrawal of disputed deductions, clearance of pending dues and an end to the alleged forced sale of lubricants.
NEIPDA warned that failure to resolve the issues could trigger an indefinite shutdown from November 23, potentially affecting petroleum supplies across Assam.
