Delhi Petrol Pump Owners Protest PUC Rate Hike

Petrol pump owners in Delhi expressed discontent over the recent hike in pollution certificate rates, deeming PUC centre operations unviable. The Delhi government raised PUC charges for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles. Due to insufficient rate hikes, petrol dealers plan to shut PUC centres from July 15.

Delhi's petrol pump owners have announced the shutdown of Pollution Under Control (PUC) centres starting Monday, voicing dissatisfaction over a recent hike in pollution certificate rates by the city government. They argue that operating these centres is no longer viable.

On Thursday, the Delhi government increased PUC certificate charges for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles for the first time in 13 years. The hike, ranging from Rs 20 to Rs 40, will be implemented once notified, according to Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot.

The Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association stated that due to the insufficient hike, many centres have surrendered their licenses. Despite an initial 75% proposed hike, the final 35% hike fails to cover increased operational costs. The association plans to close all PUC centres by July 15.