Single-window clearance to set up more CNG pumps

The nine CNG pumps that had threatened to go on strike from August 16 have withdrawn their strike after their issues were “resolved” at the meeting called by the Food Distribution Officer (FDO) at the collectorate.

At the meeting attended by petrol dealers,officials from oil companies and Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL),the collector directed the FDO to make arrangements to start a single-window system to clear proposals for CNG pumps within a month.

The nine CNG pumps demanded revision of CNG commission from 60 paise per kg to Rs 1.20 and increase in the number of CNG outlets in the city by giving a gas connection to every petrol pump. According to Pune Petrol Dealers’ Association spokesperson Ali Daruwalla,all the three issues were resolved. “We have decided not to go on a strike. The MNGL has agreed to increase the commission. The single-window system will help us get easy clearances. If we get easy clearances,we as petrol dealers are open to having more CNG outlets,’’ said Daruwalla.

He said the collector promised to forward the problem of security issues at the pumps to the police commissionerate. With the single-window system to make the clearances easy,the Food Distribution Office(FDO) will have clearances from the police,fire,electricity office.

HPCL territory level manager Pralay Jambhulkar,the spokesperson for oil marketing companies,raised the issue of permissions to which the collector said he would look into speedy clearances through the single-window system. “The FDO will be the nodal officer in-charge for the clearances,’’ said district officials. Independent issues of the dealers too were addressed by the collector,they said.

MNGL officials said they would do their bit by increasing their mobile cascades which would help increase the supply. MNGL MD AK Mittal and director CK Jain also attended the meeting.

On security issues,petrol dealers said rickshaw drivers and pump attendants often fight,affecting the business. “Now,petrol dealers will be able to start CNG pumps. An increase in number of pumps will help reduce the fights,’’ said MNGL autorities. MNGL officials said the issue of reimbursement of electricity charges was also resolved.