Fuel pumps will stay shut on Sundays in 8 states: 10 key things to know

Eight states will be a part of this move

Beginning May 14, fuel outlets in eight states will be shut every Sunday following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to conserve oil, a fuel pump owners' body said in Chennai. 

Here are 10 things that you should know about this issue.

1. This decision has been taken by Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD), in line with the prime minister's vision to reduce fuel consumption.

2. More than 25,000 petrol pumps covering south and Maharashtra will be a part of this project.

3. Petrol pumps in eight states — Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry — will remain shut on Sundays with effect from May 14.

4. Tamil Nadu is expected to have a business loss of Rs 150 crore by not operating on a Sunday.

5. Diesel consumption increased 7.5 per cent to 74.6 million tonnes, petrol use rose 14.5 per cent to 21.8 million tonnes.

6. Petroleum Ministry has distanced itself from the move and has criticised it.

7. CIPD said that even on Sunday, one worker would be available to sell fuel in emergency cases.

8. The CIPD is also considering eight-hour working days from May.

9. Fuel will be available from ambulances. 

10. All India Petroleum Dealers' Association said that this move will create panic and it will not support it.