Petrol pumps in Salem to run dry due to price war

In what is seen as a price war in retailing of petrol and diesel, pumps owned by private players have stopped lifting stocks to protest against the higher discount offered by outlets run by lorry owners association in the district.
With the private pumps beginning to run dry in view of the protest since the last few days, affecting common people, District Collector V Sampath convened a tripartite meeting last night to resolve the issue, officials said.
However, the meeting made no headway and many pumps were on the verge of going dry today.
According to Chennakesavan, President of Lorry Owners Association, their pumps are giving a discount of Rs 2.11 per litre of petrol and diesel to customers.

With the customers preferring the association-run pumps in view of the lower price, the private players have also been forced to offer a discount of Re 1 per litre on both the fuels.
They have also complained to oil companies against the association-run pumps for under pricing, following which the matter was taken up with the collector.
Neighbouring Namakkal district is the national hub of truck operators.