Kerala Petrol pumps remain closed

Kochi: Majority of the petrol bunks in the state remained closed on Sunday in response to the 24-hour strike called by the All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders, a constituent of the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD) protesting against what they described as failure of the oil marketing companies fulfill promises made to the dealers. About 90 percent of the petrol pumps in Thiruvananthapuram district remained closed on Sunday, according to the organisations of petroleum dealers. Of the 220 odd petrol pumps in the district, around 220 failed to operate.   

“Pumps run directly by petroleum companies, state government agencies and some pumps in rural areas functioned during the day”, said dealer. Majority of pumps in Alaupuza district remained shut in support of the strike.

In Ernakaulam most pumps in the city remained closed while some in the outskirts such as Perumbavoor and Muvattupuzha opened. MM Basher All Kerala Petroleum Dealers Association, a rival organization to the Federation claimed that 50 per cent of the pumps functioned in the district.

In the Ernakulam-Thrissur national highway most pumps remained closed except for pumps directly owned by oil marketing companies. Although pumps remained closed there was not much rush due to people stocking the fuel in the previous day.           

The 24-hour strike was nearly complete in the Malabar region. In Kozhikode city the Supplyco petrol pump near Police head quarters was the only source for the people. The few petrol pumps of Reliance Industries also witnessed brisk sales.     

The petrol pump strike a day after the BJP hartal affected the people most in Kannur district. Most people, who couldn’t take out their vehicles on Saturday, had to wait in queue for a long time in the very few petrol pumps opened on Sunday. In Wayanad long queue continued during the entire day in front of Reliance petrol pump at Kalpetta.