New Delhi: In protest against the Delhi government’s refusal to reduce VAT on fuels, around 400-odd petrol pumps and CNG dispensing units in the national capital will remain shut on Monday.  

According to a statement issued by the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA), the petrol pumps and CNG stations will remain closed for nearly 24 hours in protest from 6 am onwards and remain closed till 5 am on October 23.
DPDA president Nischal Singhania said: “The Centre had slashed the rate of petrol and diesel by Rs 2.50 per litre each. This was followed by reduction of VAT by 13 states, including neighbouring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, bringing relief to their residents. But the Delhi government refused to reduce VAT on fuel both petrol and diesel.” 

The petrol dealers' body warned that if consumers opted to buy lower-grade fuel from the neighbouring states, it would result in pollution levels shooting up in Delhi.

Chief Minister Kejriwal alleged that the strike was politically motivated. “Petrol pump owners have told us privately that this is a BJP-sponsored strike, actively supported by oil companies," he tweeted.

Oil prices lowest in Delhi amongst the four metros. Why aren’t petrol pumps in Mumbai, which has highest prices, on strike? Becoz Mumbai is BJP govt and BJP is behind today’s strike in Delhi. BJP MUST apologize to the people of Delhi pic.twitter.com/v5BUI0cfRG

It is regrettable that due to the obstinate attitude of Kejriwal Government, today the people of Delhi, have to purchase Petrol-Diesel from the neighbouring states as Petrol-Diesel is more costly in Delhi. Mr. Kejriwal is fully responsible for the mess Delhi is facing today. pic.twitter.com/ZB68rvAZnz

The fuel prices at the national capital today, stood at Rs 81.44 per litre for petrol (a decrease by 30 paise) and Rs 74.92 per litre for diesel (a decrease by 27 paise), according to news agency ANI. On Sunday, petrol prices stood at Rs. 81.74, whereas diesel cost Rs. 75.19 per litre.

(With agency inputs)