Tankers transporting petrol and diesel are all set to go off the roads next week protesting against the new tax levied by the Telangana government. The Telangana Petroleum Tank Trucks Owner’s Association conveyed their decision to start a stir from the midnight of May 29 if their demands are not met.
They demanded that the GO (Government order) issued on May 9 to levy a VAT of 14.5 % on the total bill amount be scrapped.
The president of the association K. Rajashekhar Reddy said that the transporters will be hit hard as they are struggling to make profits and paying an additional tax of 14.5% will push them into losses.
He added that those who have taken bank loans for the new vehicles will be hit more as they have to pay monthly instalments.
Rajiv Amaram, joint secretary of Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers said that if the strike takes place, then the public will suffer apart from the petrol stations. “The State government should address the issue as soon as possible. If we do not get supplies, we will have to close the bunks in a day,” he said.
The members said that the State government should hold consultations with the industry stakeholders before taking the appropriate decision regarding the tax.
