Public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) have been asked by the Petroleum Ministry to immediately revise commissions for petrol dealers, the Federation of All India Petroleum Traders said.

Ajay Bansal, General Secretary of the dealers' body, said that dealers' commission for petrol needed to be increased from Rs 1.49 a litre to Rs 2.16 a litre.

Speaking on the topic, Mr. Bansal said, "Since petrol is a de-regulated product, OMCs can revise the commission. Oil Ministry has issued a letter to them in this regard on September 20."

Mr. Bansal clarified that any increase in commission for dealers of petrol would not result in an increase in prices of petrol for consumers.

The federation of All India Petroleum Traders has also demanded an increase in commission on diesel, from Rs 0.91 per litre to Rs 1.32 per litre. In respect of revision of commission on diesel, the Petroleum Ministry has reportedly already asked OMCs to submit a proposal within ten days.

Mr. Bansal defended their demand for increase in commission, saying operating costs of petrol pumps had increased drastically, while their commission remained unchanged for years.

Meanwhile, petrol and diesel dealers will not purchase oil on October 1 and 2, though they will sell fuel already stored in their stocks. But, refraining from replenishing their stocks may create a problem for commuters afterwards.