Guwahati: Petrol pumps across Assam remained closed for 24 hours from 6 am on November 12 as petroleum dealers launched a statewide ‘no-purchase, no-sale‘ protest against alleged harassment and arbitrary practices by oil marketing companies (OMCs).
The shutdown, called by the North East India Petroleum Dealers’ Association (NEIPDA), is scheduled to continue until 6 am on November 13. The association has also warned of an indefinite shutdown from November 23 if its demands are not addressed.
The dealers have accused OMCs, including Indian Oil Corporation, of adopting high-handed practices, threatening disruptions in fuel supplies and taking unilateral decisions without following due process or allowing dealers to explain their positions.
Among the key grievances are alleged threats to suspend petrol and diesel supplies over reported violations, cancellation of tank-truck consortium arrangements without prior notice, and pressure on dealers to purchase additional products, particularly lubricants.
NEIPDA has also alleged that oil companies blocked fuel-loading facilities and compelled dealers to install point-of-sale machines despite concerns over pending payments and financial losses.
The association further accused OMCs of making unilateral deductions from dealers’ SAP accounts and delaying reimbursements of approved subsidies and expenses incurred to meet Legal Metrology Department requirements.
NEIPDA general secretary Arup Goswami alleged that oil marketing companies were exceeding their authority and harassing dealers without giving them an opportunity to present their side of the matter.
He also raised concerns over the alleged forced sale of products that customers had not ordered. According to him, such products remain unsold at retail outlets, occupying valuable space and causing financial losses to dealers.
The association has demanded the reinstatement of cancelled agreements, withdrawal of disputed deductions, clearance of pending reimbursements and an end to the alleged practice of forcing dealers to purchase lubricants.
NEIPDA has cautioned that failure to resolve the issues could trigger an indefinite shutdown from November 23, potentially affecting petroleum supplies across Assam.