In response to the frequent attacks on fuel station employees by customers, petrol pumps in the state will be closed from 8 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday as a form of protest. The All Kerala Federation of Petroleum Traders (AKFPT) has made the decision to demand the creation of a special law ensuring the safety of petrol pumps and their employees. This proposed law is intended to be akin to the legislation aimed at preventing attacks on healthcare workers and establishments in the state.

Tomy Thomas, the president of AKFPT, mentioned that, in addition to the protest, this action serves as a precautionary measure due to the frequent occurrence of violence by New Year revelers on December 31 and January 1.

“Over 200 attacks on petrol pump employees were reported in various parts of the state in 2023. We drew the attention of the state government and petroleum pump operators regarding the issue. But no action was taken to prevent such attacks,” said Thomas.

As per Thomas, security concerns have instilled fear among employees working at petrol pumps. Presently, a majority of the pump workforce comprises migrant workers. He noted that five years ago, approximately 80% of petrol pump employees were Keralites, but now the figure has plummeted to less than 8%.

The number of women employees also has come down drastically. In recent years, petroleum companies have been putting pressure on fuel station owners to increase the sales of premium petrol and diesel. There were instances when employees were attacked for filling premium fuel in customers’ vehicles,” he added.