Petrol pumps in Delhi saw their pollution under control (PUC) centres closed for the second day in a row on Tuesday due to a strike by petrol dealers opposing the proposed increase in pollution certificate charges.
The Delhi Petrol Dealers’ Association (DPDA) initiated the indefinite strike.
On July 11, the Delhi government announced an increase in pollution under control (PUC) certificate charges for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles after 13 years. The hike ranges from Rs 20 to Rs 40.
Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said that the new rates would take effect once the city government issues a notification.
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The DPDA issued a statement on Sunday, highlighting that the last PUCC rate revision occurred in 2011 after six years, with a more than 70% increase. The current rate hike, after 13 years, is only 35%, while operational expenses for PUC centres have surged significantly, with wages tripling from 2011 to 2024.
A Transport Department official mentioned that the hike was proposed considering both customers and petrol dealers.
Officials said there are approximately 945 PUC centres in Delhi, with about 600 located at petrol pumps. (With inputs from PTI)
