All along been seeking reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel to bring it at par with Chandigarh and other neighbouring states, the Punjab’s petrol pump dealers on Monday received the support of farmers’ bodies, transporters unions and industrialists in its campaign.
The state Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association (PPDAP), along with farmers bodies — Bhartiya Kisan Union (Lakhowal) and Bhartiya Kisan Union (Rajewal), transporters unions and industrialists submitted memorandums to the Deputy Commissioners throughout Punjab to press for their demand.
PPDAP president Paramjit Singh Doaba, general secretary Dr Manjit Singh, and treasurer Ranjit Singh Gandhi, along with the core executive members, submitted the memorandum to the state Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, while hundreds of farmers and petrol pump dealers gathered in front of the DC offices across the state to stage protest dharna against higher fuel prices in Punjab due to higher VAT rates.
“With Lok Sabha elections approaching, PPDAP now, with the support of farmers and transporters, will put more pressure on the government...We will continue our protest till our demands are not fulfilled,” said Doaba.
He said due to wrong policies, Punjab government is losing revenue to neighbouring states.
