Guwahati: The LPG transporters in Assam will begin an indefinite strike on Monday (July 25), which would likely result in a shortage of LPG cylinders for the state’s residents in the coming days. The supply lines in the neighbouring northeastern states are likely to be affected by the proposed strike.
According to the Northeast Packed LPG Transporter Association (NEPLTA), the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has repeatedly ignored the organization’s long-standing demands.
Kumud Nath, the chief advisor of NELPTA, the Union Petroleum Ministry gave IOCL the order to annul the earlier tender for transporting LPG cylinders. The transporters’ body opposed to it and as a result, IOCL and NELPTA met to discuss how to resolve the situation.
Nath claimed that the IOCL administration recently issued a new procurement for a number of LPG bottling units without taking into consideration the concerns made by the carriers’ union.
“Although we asked the IOCL to revoke the tender notice, they did not respond. As a result, we must begin our strike on Monday “added he.
The transporters’ association also said that since 2014, IOCL hasn’t changed the transportation charges which has cost the transporters money.
LPG plants would shut down in North Guwahati, Tinsukia, Gopanari, Sarpara, Bongaigaon, Dimapur, Sekmai, Silchar, Duliajan, Nagaon, Agartala, Bishalgarh, and Dimapur in support of the strike.