Cooking gas distributors and petrol bunk dealers are not ruling out the possibility of more customers making payment in ₹2,000 notes, which the RBI on May 19 said were being withdrawn, for their purchases in the days ahead.
Both the LPG and petroleum trade, however, seem to have decided to play it safe this time with memories still fresh on how many faced the heat of the Income Tax department and banks too, after accepting the demonetised ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes in 2016, in spite of being permitted by the government.
Though the RBI communication is clear on how the ₹2,000 notes will remain legal tender and they can be deposited or exchanged at banks till September 30, the trade leaders feel it is better to watch out as the risk of them becoming conduit could not be ruled out. It happened in 2016 when some ended up having more than usual number of the demonetised currency notes in their daily collections.
