SHILLONG, Feb 5: The skyrocket in the rates of fuel here was already getting the public’s goat, but on Friday, rumours about a strike by fuel pumps and petrol tankers had them huddle at different petrol pumps. The vehicles at such petrol pumps in the city were seen making a beeline to get their tanks filled.
On a visit to the fuel stations during evening hours, two-wheelers and four-wheelers alike were seen in long queues, and the drivers and occupants murmuring about the rumours.
Asked, some who were waiting at one of the fuel stations said that they heard reports about a possible strike and hence, to tide over that, they had rushed to refuel their vehicles.
on Friday. (ST)
Two of the city petrol pump owners debunked the rumours about the strike either by petrol pump owners or tankers, even as they were discreetly elated to see a large number of customers making way to the petrol pumps.
Moreover, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo confirmed that there was no report about any strike whatsoever, while hinting at a likely rumour-mongering.
To add to the common man’s woes, some of the dealers were seen retailing a new brand of petrol called ‘XP-100’, which now costs Rs 160 a litre.
On enquiring, it was revealed that ‘XP-100’ is a new brand of petrol which was launched a couple of days earlier, and that only a handful number of pumps in Shillong are selling this exorbitant petrol variant at the moment.
Around a month ago, the Indian Oil Corporation had launched this variant of petrol, which is 100 Octane super-premium petrol branded as ‘XP 100’. Priced at Rs 160 per litre, it is said that the 100 Octane petrol is designed to give faster acceleration, significantly boosting engine performance and enhancing fuel economy.
The ‘XP-100’ is ideal for high-end bikes and cars.