New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) Activist Anna Hazare's anti-graft campaign has translated into an increase in profits for a fuel pump located just outside the protest site Ramlila Ground, thanks to the unending stream of vehicles and media vans.


Pragati Service Station on Jawaharlal Nehru Marg is selling an additional 1,500 litres of petrol and diesel since Friday, with diesel forming a major chunk of the sales due to the around 50 media vans stationed outside the ground, with diesel generators running 24X7.

“Usually, we sell around 4,000 litres of diesel daily but these days we are selling more than 5,000 litres because of the media vans and the cabs that are parked here all day long,” said an attendant.

In monetary terms, the sales have increased from an approximate Rs.1.7 lakh to over Rs.2 lakh.

“The petrol sales have also increased by 500 litres, an increase of about Rs.30,000,” added the attendant.

The service station was particularly satisfied that the roads around the gas station were not closed like in June, when Baba Ramdev's agitation against black money took place at the same site.

“We had suffered a day's loss last time because of the shutting down of roads. But thank god it didn't happen this time.

“We all support Anna ji's cause and there is something about him which convinces us that he'll succeed in his endeavour,” he added.

Hazare began his indefinite fast Aug 16 soon after his detention while he was proceeding to J.P. Park in central Delhi. The same day he was taken to Tihar Jail, where he remained until Friday when he shifted to the Ramlila Ground.