Delhi PUC Centers Shut Down Amid Petrol Dealers' Protest Over Rate Hikes

Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) has announced the closure of all Pollution Under Control (PUC) centers from Monday. The move comes amid disagreements with the government over inadequately revised PUC checking rates, which dealers argue have not accounted for inflation or operational costs.

The Delhi Petrol Dealers Association (DPDA) has declared the closure of all Pollution Under Control (PUC) centers in the city starting Monday. This decision comes following a dispute with the government over unsatisfactory revisions in PUC checking rates.

According to the association, the rates for PUC certificates had remained unchanged for the past 13 years. Though the Delhi transport department recently announced an increase, the DPDA claims it is insufficient. "Our demand was to consider wage hikes and inflation," said Ajay Bansal, President of the All India Petroleum Dealers Association, in an interview with ANI.

The new rates, which are Rs 80 for two and three-wheelers, Rs 110 for four-wheelers, and Rs 140 for diesel vehicles, fall short of the DPDA's requested increases to Rs 150, Rs 200, and Rs 300 respectively. Despite a meeting with Delhi's Transport Minister, the association is not satisfied and will proceed with the shutdown.

(With inputs from agencies.)