The poll was conducted on September 8 and 9 on a sample of 301 chemists from 30 areas in the city.

It was commissioned to understand whether chemists were agitating against the issue of two per cent octroi duty. The poll results indicate that the traders had made futile attempts in the past to get octroi replaced by another levy. The latest protest was a link in the long chain of protest against octroi per se.

At least 98 per cent of chemists interviewed did not agree with the two per cent duty levied. However, they were ready to accept the BMC's proposal if the duty was brought down to one per cent. Even as talks between the chemists and the BMC continue, 70 per cent of the chemists felt they should keep shops open either fully orpartially till the negotiations are complete. Ninety-six per cent of the chemists believed that the BMC was being unreasonable.

However, over 50 per cent of chemists felt that prices would rise with the duty, while one-fourth felt that there was no need for panic. And about 39 per cent felt that their business would fall by two to five per cent. At least 70 per cent of chemists felt that the bandh call was not hasty, and that it had manufacturers' support. About 75 per cent felt that the strike had citizens' support.