CICU condemns stoppage of trucks carrying commercial LPG at Punjab barriers by ST Department

Ludhiana, March 14, 2013: Avtar Singh, General Secretary, CICU in a statement today condemned harassment being faced by large number of trucks carrying commercial LPG queued at Shambu, Khanauri and Moonak Barriers for more than four days on the pretax of checking documents for Sale Tax evasion. This uncalled for action of Sales Tax Department has affected supply of gas to furnace and hotel industry which is being supplied as per laid down procedure by Hindustan Petroleum , Bharat Petroleum  and Indian Oil from their respective plants in Haryana.

Upkar Singh, Joint Secretary, CICU said that this unnecessary drive has created panic in Furnace and Hotel Industry in Punjab which are likely to face closer due to non-supply of commercial gas which is the lifeline of their industry. Shortage of gas will increase costs and hamper production.  This system is not helping to increase tax collection but is complicating the woes of transport and industrial sector.

Both of them have urged upon Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Punjab to intervene and stop this unhealthy drive otherwise industrial sector which is already facing hostile economic scenario would be forced to take path of agitation.  They have requested Finance Minister, Punjab to introduce smart and foolproof method of checking.

They have also appealed for publishing time bound procedure for checking documents in future at Punjab Barriers.  This is the need of the hour to bail out Punjab industry form impending crisis.