SOMA president Ukabhai Patel said this is like inviting highway robbers and gangs to attack the vehicles.

SOMA and oil traders strongly opposed the Civil Supplies Ministry notification contending that they were paying the sales tax and the necessary documents were always in possession of the drivers in case of checking. ``So what is the need for putting up boards?'' asks Patel.

Patel also stated that this gives officials one more way of harassing truck drivers and traders. He cited the example of one such tanker carrying Mira Palm Oil going towards Bhuj without putting up the board and the tanker was seized by Kutch police.

SOMA has threatened to go on a strike and stop crushing activity if the notification was not immediately withdrawn.

According to Civil Supplies Minister Ashok Bhatt, the objective behind the notification was to check adulteration. ``What is wrong in putting up a small board on the tanker declaring the type of oil it is carrying? It helps district administrations to check adulteration because, if you are carrying adulterated oil and show it as palm oil then you are making a mistake. To check this kind of activity I have issued the notice,'' he told Express Newsline.

But Bhatt said he was not aware of any strike being planned by SOMA against this notification. Meanwhile, SOMA has sought an appointment with Bhatt regarding the setting up of oil testing laboratories. While Bhatt is adamant that he will not extend the deadline this time, SOMA is trying to buy more time.