Fuel stations across Assam will halt the purchase and sale of petrol and diesel for 24 hours starting November 12, as petroleum dealers launch a statewide protest against what they describe as unfair practices and persistent harassment by oil marketing companies. The strike, organized by the North East India Petroleum Dealers’ Association, will begin at 6 a.m. on November 12 and conclude at 6 a.m. on November 13, threatening widespread disruptions to vehicular movement and commercial activities across the region.
The association has warned that the token protest could escalate into a wider crisis, with its Greater Guwahati unit threatening an indefinite operational shutdown beginning November 23 if the state-run oil marketing companies, including Indian Oil Corporation, fail to resolve the long-standing disputes. Dealers allege that these corporations have enforced arbitrary measures that severely damage the commercial viability and operational autonomy of retail fuel outlets.
Central to the dealers’ grievances is the alleged practice of suspending critical fuel supplies over suspected operational violations without affording outlet owners an opportunity to explain their position. The association also strongly objected to the unilateral cancellation of tank-truck transportation consortium arrangements without prior notification, alongside claims that loading facilities have been abruptly blocked at multiple retail locations.
Retailers have further voiced frustration over being coerced into purchasing slow-moving inventory, particularly lubricants, despite minimal retail demand. NEIPDA General Secretary Arup Goswami emphasized that pushing unwanted products forces dealers to tie up operating capital and clutter retail premises with surplus stock, generating substantial financial losses and raising serious on-site safety concerns.
Financial disputes form another major pillar of the agitation, with the association citing arbitrary deductions from dealers’ enterprise resource accounts and chronic delays in clearing approved subsidies. Outlets have also reportedly been pressured into installing point-of-sale payment terminals despite outstanding dues and unresolved financial liabilities.
Demanding an immediate end to coercive product bundling, the restoration of cancelled transport pacts, and the prompt clearance of statutory reimbursements, the association maintained that normal operations will remain under threat until oil marketing companies adopt transparent and consultative commercial practices.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-petrol-pumps-to-shut-for-24-hours-on-november-12-over-alleged-omc-harassment-1472789-2026-11-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-11-08 14:15:00
