IMPHAL, December 9: There is an urgent need for opening up of new oil pumps in Imphal area in view of increasing number of motor vehicles in the state.
As per the latest figure of state transport department, the total number of motor vehicles in Imphal area stands at 1,87,466 with annual increase of about 35 percent.
On the other hand, the daily requirement of petrol and diesel in the state is 90 kilolitres and 220 kilolitres respectively.
With most motor vehicles concentrated in Imphal area, the oil pumps in Imphal are unable to meet the daily requirement of petrol and diesel.
Speaking to IFP, an official of Indian Oil Corporation stated that the ratio of oil pumps to the number of vehicles in the state is not proportionate. Easy availability of vehicle loans from various banks and influx of cheap second vehicles from other states are major factors for rapid increase in the number of motor vehicles in the state.
The IOC leaves no stone unturned in fetching adequate quantity of petroleum products for the state. However, more oil pumps should be opened up in view of rapid increase in the number of motor vehicles in the state, the IOC official opined.
Another official from the state transport department maintained that the rapid increase of motor vehicles is a major factor for scarcity of petrol and diesel in the state. The IOC should make necessary arrangement to meet the petroleum requirement for the vehicles.