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The reason being two-fold: First an indefinite bandh called by taxi operators beginning June 25. This will be followed by petrol pump owners’ strike for three days from June 30.
The state government, meanwhile, said that attempts are being made to talk to taxi associations and the Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association to ensure that they withdraw the strikes.
“We are well aware of the hardship that commuters will face owing to the twin strikes. We are making attempts to hold meetings with both taxi associations and petrol pump owners. We have to find a solution,” said state transport secretary Sumantra Choudhury.
The taxi associations, however, are adamant and have given no indication to call off the strike. “There is no question of backing off from the strike. The state government is yet to meet our demands. Apart from the fuel price rise, we also have to compete with illegal shuttle cars, auto-rickshaws. We have no other option but to go for an indefinite strike starting from June 25,” said Bengal Taxi Association president Bimal Guha.
The West Bengal Petrol Pump Dealers’ Association echoed the same words. “Oil companies are forcing us to buy high priced branded petroleum products. They are also giving us less oil. For instance a pump is earmarked to receive 1,200 litres, the oil companies are giving us 1,190. We have complained many times, but they have turned a deaf ear. Therefore our strike is on,” said pump dealers’ association president Joydeb Sarkar.
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