Maharashtra petrol pumps to operate 9-5 only

Toughening their stance on enhanced commission, petrol dealers across Maharashtra, including this state capital, Monday started a 'single shift' operation, affecting lakhs of fuel-starved vehicle owners, officials said.

"We shall work in a single shift, 9-5, at least till the government implements its own commitment regarding our commission hikes, keeping in view the huge inputs cost," Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers Association (FAMPEDA) president A.S. Dikshit told IANS.

Petrol dealers across Maharashtra to work in a single 9-5 shift till the government gives them increased commission

The agitation, launched Monday morning, saw the participation of nearly 80 percent of the 290 petrol pumps in the city, and almost complete response of the 3,700 petrol pumps elsewhere in the state, he said.

"This is better than going on a total strike and making the state totally fuel-starved. Unless the government adheres to its commitment of giving us increased commission, we shall run in a single shift," Dikshit declared.