Commuters Caught off Guard as 400 Fuel Pumps in Delhi Go on Strike

Commuters alleged they were not informed about the strike, but the bills posted outside the pumps hinted otherwise.

A fuel pump on strike.

(Photo: BloombergQuint)

Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam

Commuters as well as drivers of New Delhi were in for a shock on Monday morning when they learnt of the strike being observed by petrol pumps.

In light of rising fuel prices and the Delhi government’s refusal to reduce VAT on fuel, the Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) announced that the 400-odd petrol pumps in the capital – along with linked CNG dispensing units – will remain shut on Monday, 22 October, from 6 am onwards to 5 am on 23 October.

Commuters alleged that they had not been informed about the strike and were, therefore, inconvenienced. However, bills posted outside the petrol pump hinted otherwise.

This also caused an inconvenience to drivers, especially those who were low on fuel. Autorickshaw drivers had to call it a day, even before the day began, as they had no fuel to sustain them.

What to do? I’ll just push my vehicle all the way back. The auto has completely run out of gas. I have been pushing the vehicle from Pandara Road. I am exhausted.

Vinod Prakash, Autorickshaw driver

Several commuters were inconvenienced too, as some of them did not have enough fuel to return home after their night shifts in office, and many couldn’t take their dear ones to the hospital as their vehicle lacked fuel.

I had no idea about the strike. No one told me. Even the fuel pump people never told me. I came to the pump after a long time and then I got to know that it is closed. So I am facing a lot of problems.

Dinesh Kumar, Commuter