Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)
Bangalore, Jan 3: The agitation undertaken by the LPG tanker operators from south India demanding for hike in transportation charges from midnight on Wednesday December 31 entered its third day today. The first round of discussions the state government had with the operators have failed. As the union government has to take a decision in the matter, the state government has been taking steps to ensure that the domestic cooking gas consumers do not face hardships because of the strike.
LPG Tankers seen parked at MRPL GATE near Mangalore on Friday as part of the indefinite strike called by the Southern Regiion LPG Bulk Transport Owner's Association. Owners of more than 3500 tankers are participating in this strike.
Transport minister R Ashok said in a news conference, that the strike is illegal, as at least a week's notice as required to be given before going ahead with the agitation, was not served. The agitators have not followed rules and regulations governing such agitations and hence, the government can not tolerate this attitude, he warned.
Food and civil supplies minister H Halappa discussed the issue with the owners of transport vehicles and senior officials of the government. He said he would try to find a way out by discussing with the concerned again on Friday. As the oil companies and the central government have to sort out the issue, he has asked them to intervene in the matter and settle the issue at the earliest. Halappa also assured the LPG consumers in the state that there is no need to panic as the state has enough stock of gas cylinders.
The transporters at present are getting Rs 1.60 per km as transportation charges, as against their demand for Rs 2.50 per km. Even though the companies recently agreed to enhance the rate to 1.89 per km, this has not been implemented properly, they allege. The oil companies have been arguing that the oil prices have gone down of late, cutting the cost for the transporters. The transporters point out to escalating costs in other areas, in support of their demand.