The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of truck operators, fuel station owners and petrol tanker owners have decided to go ahead with the indefinite strike from Thursday despite the government issuing an order late on Wednesday evening approving a few recommendations made by Cabinet Sub Committee (CSC) constituted to address issues of the unions.
Heavy rush was witnessed at different petrol and diesel stations with motorists thronging the stations to fill fuel in their vehicles on Wednesday evening.
Traffic gridlocks were reported near several petrol pumps as scores of motorists thronged filling stations in panic.
The government has invited the JAC for talks in Hyderabad on Thursday after a meeting that was scheduled for September 26 could not be held with Finance Minister Yenamala Ramakrishnudu going on a foreign trip.
JAC Convenor Y.V. Eswara Rao said the government order lacked clarity, especially on reduction of VAT on fuel, which is prime demand. “All these recommendations were informally approved by the CSC earlier but we insisted reduction of VAT.
Much will depend on the meeting in Hyderabad and the strike will be continued as usual,” said Mr. Rao.
The JAC is also supporting the nation wide indefinite strike call given by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
The AIMTC is demanding amendment in the existing toll fee collecting process at toll plazas, besides scrapping the move to install speed governors in existing trucks.
The JAC in the State is demanding the government to withdraw four per cent VAT on fuel, besides other demands. On the waiver of VAT (lease tax) on oil tankers from November, 2011, the government agreed to waive off the VAT and the future taxes would be collected from the oil companies by deducting the tax at source from the bills payable to oil tankers.
On the abolition of Form F and Form B licences for petrol pumps under Essential Commodities Act, the government informed that licences once issued will be made valid for life without insisting on renewal.
About the withdrawal of court notices issued to petrol pumps by Fire Services department for not complying with prescribed safety norms, the government wanted the department to examine the issue. It further suggested that burden of complying with fire safety norms be shifted to petroleum companies instead of pump owners.
