Kolkata, May 19 (IANS): Complaining of malpractices and a deteriorating business environment, a forum of petroleum dealers of West Bengal on Tuesday announced they would refrain from fuel purchases indefinitely from oil firms in the state.

The West Bengal Petroleum Dealers Association (WBPDA) said they have submitted a petition to the state's secretary on the issues affecting them.

Over 800 petrol pumps would be a part of the protests.

WBPDA alleged oil companies have developed a nexus with oil-truck operators in the state, forcing the oil dealers to avail third party oil-trucks despite about 60 percent oil dealers in the state owning their own oil-tankers.

"Oil companies take out tenders for ferrying the oil from terminals to the petrol pumps where the oil-truck operators bid and win. Now, according to the terms of agreement between oil-dealers and companies, dealers can opt for their own tankers to ferry the oil. But, we are forced to avail third party tanker operators," association's joint secretary, Arun Singhania told media persons here.

He alleged during the transit of oil from terminals to the petrol pumps by third party carriers, oil-racketeers are robbing huge quantities of oil.

The oil dealers have written to the state Consumer Affairs Minister Sadhan Pande, Food and Supplies Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick, Chief Secretary Sanjay Mitra and others about their complaint.

"We will not purchase any oil from the terminals at Mourigram, Budge Budge and Haldia in West Bengal beginning May 21 and will hold a series of agitations," said the association's general secretary, Saradindu Pal.

The WBPDA has also accused oil firms of adulterating oil and forcibly hoarding the fuel to create a supply shortage in the market.