Delhi Petrol Dealers' Association (DPDA) called out a protest against the Delhi government's plans to increase pollution certificate charges. On Monday, the association shut down nearly 600 Pollution Under Control Centres (PUC) across the capital.
On Thursday, after 13 years, Arvind Kejriwal-led state government increased the PUC certificate charges for petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles.
The new rates will see increases across various vehicle categories. For petrol, CNG, LPG and bio-fuel powered two and three-wheelers, the fee will rise from Rs 60 to Rs 80. Similarly, charges for four-wheelers will increase from Rs 80 to Rs 110. Diesel vehicle owners will face the highest hike, with fees jumping from Rs 100 to Rs 140. These adjustments are set to take effect upon notification.
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Delhi's Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said the changes are undertaken keeping in mind the rising operational costs of pollution-checking services. The Minister said, "This revision is necessary to ensure that pollution-checking stations can continue to operate efficiently and provide quality services to the public. We remain committed to maintaining Delhi's air quality and ensuring that all vehicles meet the required pollution standards."
"The Rs 20 and Rs 30 hike is nothing compared to the rising operational costs. The government's revision does not consider inflation and the actual cost of maintaining these centres," DPDA President Nischal Singhania told PTI.
He added, prior to the changes the vehicle owners were required to renew their PUC certificates thrice in a year. However, with the revised notification, the requirement is decreased to once a year. He said the changes will impact the financial health of the pump owners and dealers.
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