Delhi Petrol Dealers Association has announced that all 400-odd petrol pumps along with linked CNG dispensing units will remain shut in the national capital today in protest against Delhi government’s refusal to reduce VAT on fuels.

In a statement, the Association said, the pumps will remain closed till 5 AM tomorrow. The central government had slashed the rate of petrol and diesel by 2 rupees 50 paise per litre each last month and it was followed by reduction of VAT by various states including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

However, the Delhi government refused to reduce VAT resulting in fuel becoming more expensive than the two bordering states.

Hitting out at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for not reducing the tax on fuel, State BJP President Manoj Tiwari said, 100 out of 400 petrol pumps in the national capital are on the verge of closure as the sale has shifted to the nearest states. He said, revenue of Delhi Government is also falling due to it.

Mr Tiwari said, the Delhi Government should immediately reduce VAT on petrol and diesel by five rupees.