IMPHAL, June 1: Two petrol/diesel pumps will operate 24 hours a day starting today after Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister M Okendro launched a 24 hour petrol/diesel service by rotation in Imphal at Jas Gas Service Station, Uripok.
Coinciding with the formal launch at the Jas Gas Service station today, the Porompat Petrol Station in Imphal East district will also become operational as round the clock oil pump.
The pumps will be replaced by two others after a month. All petrol pumps inside Imphal areas will also be made operational till 9pm from today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said the step has been taken with the aim to bring a change in the state regarding petrol availability.
It has been taken up after a through consideration of the difficulties faced by night commuters in the state in search of petrol/diesel in the night.
Till date petrol black marketeers were having a field day after evening as petrol pumps close shops by evening in the state, he said.
Now with the launch of the two 24 hours pump, the difficulties faced by the commuters after evening will be somewhat lessened, the Minister expressed.
With a steady development in the law and order situation in the state, the people of the state can now hope for a better night life in the state. The opening of the petrol pumps will further helped in stirring up the neglected night life in the state, the Minister said.
He further continued that the government will consider opening the three Ema markets till 9 pm in the evening.
Elaborating on the complaints from several quarters regarding the non-distribution of PDS items in the state, he said that the government will now ensure that the allocated quotas of SK Oil for every district reaches the district HQ by the first of every month on a trial basis.
Okendro who also holds the Education Minister port-folio expressed that anyone with a complaint or a suggestion regarding the non-availability of SK Oil or other PDS items could forward it to him through the education website and email id launched on Thursday.
The steps have been taken up in the larger interest of the general public, the minister further added.
Okendro also said the government will take up steps to enable sufficient supply of other PDS items like sugar and rice in the state.
With the opening of the round the clock petrol pumps, the Minister has urged the general public not to encourage the black-marketeers.
The Minister added that he will not let the public down on the promises that he has made.
Director Public Distribution System, Yaiskul said due to the law and order situation, oil pumps and retailers in the state have been closing shops early, however with the development in the present law and order situation the steps of opening 24 hours petrol pumps have been taken up.