Guwahati: The city was staring at a shortage of petrol after a dealers' association on Tuesday decided not to purchase fuel from oil companies for two days owing to "violation of rules".
President of the greater Guwahati unit of the North East India Petroleum Dealers' Association, Rajib Goswami, said: "Oil companies are only there to sell fuel. But they are harassing us for the past three to four years. They have no right to impose penalty or direct closure of pumps. At least six were shut down in the city itself because of the arbitrary activities of the companies."
On the other hand, the executive director of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (Assam Oil Division), Dipankar Ray, said, "We have not got any complaint or letter regarding the strike. Our Betkuchi terminal is running as usual. There has been no communication from the association. Some dealers have also purchased fuel. If we get any complaint, we will take steps."
However, the association said they had already told all authorities concerned about the strike. "A petrol pump usually has stock for two days. So there will be no shortage," Goswami said.
But many petrol pump owners said they were not sure whether they can function for two days. "Vehicle numbers are increasing daily. So we cannot guarantee normal service for two days," petrol pump employee Ashok Das said.