Doomdooma: Petroleum dealers across Assam have announced a 24-hour ‘No Purchase, No Sale’ protest on November 12, alleging high-handedness, arbitrary decisions and financial harassment by public-sector oil marketing companies (OMCs).
The protest could disrupt fuel supplies across the state, with dealers warning of an indefinite shutdown if their grievances remain unresolved.
The North East India Petroleum Dealers’ Association (NEIPDA), Greater Guwahati Unit, said the protest would begin at 6 am on November 12 and continue until 6 am on November 13. The association has also threatened an indefinite shutdown from November 23 if the oil companies fail to address their demands.
In a media statement issued on October 28, the association accused major OMCs, particularly Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), of adopting practices that allegedly undermine the rights and business interests of petroleum dealers.
Dealers allege arbitrary action by oil companies
According to NEIPDA, dealers have faced threats of petrol and diesel supply disruptions over alleged violations. The association claimed that oil companies were taking such action without providing dealers adequate opportunities to explain their positions or defend themselves through established procedures.
NEIPDA general secretary Arup Goswami questioned the authority of oil marketing companies to exercise such powers. He said the companies were not law-enforcement agencies and must operate within the framework of applicable laws and regulations.
The association has raised several concerns, including the alleged cancellation of existing tank-truck transportation consortium arrangements without prior notice. It has also objected to pressure on dealers to purchase additional products, including lubricants, and the blocking of fuel-loading facilities.
Dealers have further raised concerns over the mandatory installation of point-of-sale (POS) machines, claiming that unresolved financial liabilities and pending payments have already placed additional pressure on retail outlet operators.
Association flags financial irregularities
NEIPDA has also alleged that oil company officials have made unilateral deductions from dealers’ SAP accounts. It claimed that reimbursements for approved subsidies and other expenses incurred to meet company requirements have been delayed.
These expenses reportedly include payments made to the Legal Metrology Department.
Goswami also expressed concern over the alleged forced sale of lubricants and other products that customers may not necessarily purchase. He said unsold stock at retail outlets creates financial losses and could pose operational challenges for dealers.
Dealers demand withdrawal of disputed measures
The association has called for the restoration of cancelled transportation arrangements, withdrawal of disputed deductions and clearance of pending reimbursements.
It has also demanded an end to what it described as coercive practices by oil companies. NEIPDA wants a fair mechanism that allows dealers to present their explanations before companies take punitive action affecting fuel supplies.
The November 12 protest is being projected as the first major phase of the agitation. The association has warned that failure to resolve the outstanding issues will lead to an indefinite suspension of petroleum purchases and sales from November 23.
Potential impact on fuel supplies across Assam
A prolonged shutdown could affect motorists, public transport operators, commercial vehicles, businesses and other fuel-dependent services across Assam.
The possibility of an extended disruption has raised concerns over fuel availability and its impact on the state’s transport and commercial activities.
The oil marketing companies now face pressure to address the dealers’ grievances and engage in discussions before the proposed protest escalates into an indefinite shutdown.
The allegations made by NEIPDA have not been independently verified. The claims require examination and responses from the concerned oil marketing companies.