Transporters’ Association indefinite strike puts LPG consumers in a dilemma

LPG consumers in the northeast including Assam are going through a harrowing time after the North East Packed Transport Association (NEPTA) has gone for a indefinite strike since August 27. The NEPTA has called for the strike in protest against the recently floated Packed transportation Tender for Indian Oil Bottling Plants. The strike has put all the LPG consumers across the region in distress, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when most customers are operating from home.

The Indian Oil has already discussed the matter with the transporters’ association to call off the strike. The State Government and District Authorities have also been apprised of the progress of the discussions. The charter of demands of the transporters’ association are; Tender to be floated from Guwahati, instead of Kolkata, there should be an increase of 50% over existing rates and Rates for all Plants in North east should be the same, irrespective of any factor, only 306 capacity cylinder trucks should be inducted, higher capacity 342/360 trucks and 10-wheeler (504/525) trucks should not be considered. Transportation rates should be worked out accordingly, all LPG packed trucks that are currently under contract should be considered for induction, own use trucks for LPG distributors should not be considered in the tender, local transporters should be given priority over outsiders besides others.

A meeting was also held under the aegis of the Indian Oil to address the demands against the recently floated Tender.

In the meeting, the transporters were informed on how the entire tendering process is handled online to reduce human intervention. The Regional Contract Cell, Kolkata functions as a nodal office for the entire eastern region and publishes tenders of high value exceeding Rs.50 lacs as per policy.

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