GUWAHATI: The North East India Petroleum Dealers' Association (NEIPDA) has called for an indefinite closure of petrol pumps in Greater Guwahati area from 7th September, 5 AM onwards.
The strike has been announced in protest of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) repeatedly asking one Ellora Debi, proprietor of RRND Service Station, Beltola, to sign the Dealership Agreement amid the pandemic situation.
The signing of the agreement has been lapsing since 2010. BPCL has as such been repeatedly urging Ellora Debi for renewal of the agreement and reportedly have threatened to stop the supply of MS/HSD on failing to do so.
In a press release issued by NEIPDA, the association has stated, "There was no hurry since 2010 but now all of a sudden she had been forced to sign and threatened that supply of MS/HSD would be stopped if she fails to sign the agreement by 31st August."
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Although Ellora Debi had prayed for a reasonable extension of period owing to the pandemic, the same has not been granted by the company.
Debi, her husband and office staff are currently hospitalised and are undergoing treatment for COVID-19.
Citing lack of trust of BPCL on the dealers and the demeaning and harassing attitude of the BPCL officials towards the dealers despite the global crisis, NEIPDA has called for an indefinite closure of petrol pumps in Guwahati from Monday onwards.