'Ignore strike calls': LPG distributor body ahead of Rahul Gandhi's rally in Delhi

The FLDI has urged LPG distributors to continue deliveries, opposing protest and strike calls as Rahul Gandhi’s November 1 rally raises concerns over disruptions in Delhi

NEW DELHI: The Federation of LPG Distributors of India (FLDI) has opposed calls for protests and an indefinite strike in Delhi, urging distributors to continue supply and delivery operations ahead of the INDIA bloc's November 1 rally led by Rahul Gandhi at Ramlila Maidan.In a statement, the distributors' body said it was in talks with oil marketing companies (OMCs) and the petroleum ministry over distributors' demands and had received assurances of an early resolution.The FLDI said protests without exhausting avenues for dialogue were not a practical approach, stressing that uninterrupted LPG supply to consumers remained its priority."We urge all fellow distributors to continue with supply and delivery operations, ignoring unverified calls for action, so that no family faces any inconvenience," the federation said as quoted by news agency ANI.The development comes amid concerns over the impact of the INDIA bloc's rally on Delhi's commercial activity during the festive shopping season."The FLDI does not support the proposed protests and indefinite strike in Delhi. We advocate for meaningful dialogue, concrete decisions, and sustained efforts to address the legitimate demands of distributors. We are engaged in constructive dialogue with the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and the Ministry of Petroleum.

The concerns of the distributors are being heard, and we have received assurances of an early resolution," it said."We believe that solutions can be achieved through dialogue and decisive action. Ensuring uninterrupted LPG service to consumers is our top priority. Dialogue with the OMCs and the Ministry is ongoing, and we have been assured of a resolution. Given this, resorting to protests without exhausting all avenues for dialogue is not a practical approach.

Maintaining a regular and safe supply of LPG to consumers remains our primary objective," it added.On Saturday, the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) urged Rahul Gandhi to postpone the November 1 rally, claiming it could disrupt business worth Rs 10,000 crore during the peak Diwali shopping period.

CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal said traders had already suffered estimated losses of around Rs 3,000 crore in October due to rallies, marches and road closures in Connaught Place, India Gate and central Delhi.The INDIA bloc's rally is aimed at intensifying its campaign against alleged "vote chori" and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.