LPG strike likely from January 19

Hyderabad: LPG distributors have threatened to go on an indefinite strike from January 19 to protest the “flawed polices” of the oil marketing companies. They decided to stop the sale of all products, other than domestic LPG cylinders, from January 15.

“If the Centre fails to respond on our demands by January 19, we will be compelled to stop the supply of even domestic cylinders from January 19,” said P. Venkateshwara Rao, president, AP LPG Dealers’ Association.

The revised marketing guidelines brought out by the OMCs, incorporating penal provisions against dealers, has triggered protests across the country. The dealers have called the the new guidelines “draconian” and have demanded withdrawal with immediate effect.

“The new guidelines prescribe action against dealers such as withdrawal of commission on sale of cylinders and termination of dealership. Dealers will also be held responsible even for underweight cylinders supplied by the OMCs, if found in their vehicles even if the cylinders are sealed,” he said.