Monday, September 18 2006 15:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: About 2,200 petrol and CNG stations of the state under the banner of Federation of All Maharashtra Petrol Dealers' Association (Fampeda), is on an indefinite strike from midnight to protest against State government's 'high level of sales tax and other related issues'.

"The strike is total," Fampeda President Ravi Shindhe said, so far, the trade body has not received any call from the Government to withdraw the strike.

Shindhe said company-owned-company-operated (COCO) pumps are, however, operating in the state.

Fampeda General Secretary Uday Lodh said repeatedmissives to draw the Government's attention went in vain and as a result the dealers had no other alternative but to go on an indefinite strike.

"In Nagpur, only nine petrol pumps operated by Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited were open while in rural areas Reliance petrol pumps were open," official sources said.

In Nasik, 180 petrol pumps participated in the indefinite strike, according to Suresh Garje of Nasik District Petrol Dealers' Association.

"During the strike period pump owners will stop buying and stocking fuel," he added.