Imphal: Long queues formed at petrol pumps in Imphal after fuel supplies were disrupted on July 31 due to an indefinite strike by the Manipur Petroleum Transporters and Drivers Association (MPTDA) over alleged illegal roadside tax collection.
However, the state government has urged the public not to panic, assuring that adequate fuel reserves are currently available.
The strike followed an ultimatum submitted by the association to the Chief Minister on July 15. The association alleged that Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) tankers were being subjected to illegal tax collection by criminal elements along National Highway 37 (NH-37), which connects Imphal and Jiribam, and sought government intervention within 15 days.
Y. Nelson, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD), Manipur, on Friday, appealed to the public to avoid panic buying, stating that the state has sufficient fuel stocks.
According to him, current reserves include petrol for nine days, diesel for 25 days, kerosene for seven days, Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) for 17 days and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for eight days.
He said the state’s daily requirement stands at 300 KL of petrol, 400 KL of diesel, 10 KL of kerosene, 34 KL of ATF and 169 KL of LPG.
The Director said the government remains in constant touch with POL transporters to ensure the uninterrupted movement of petroleum products. He added that the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) depot at Malom currently holds 540 KL of fuel in stock.
Around 74 loaded fuel tankers are moving along the Imphal-Jiribam route to replenish supplies in the state. However, authorities cautioned that panic buying could quickly deplete the available stocks and force retail fuel outlets to suspend sales.