IMPHAL, November 20: To tackle the present scenario of unavailability of fuel in the State, Minister in charge of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, M Okendro took stock of the fuel distribution in separate oil pumps within Imphal East and West district today afternoon.
He was accompanied by the respective Deputy Commissioners of the mentioned districts along with Indian Oil Corporation officials. The minister inspected the 24 hour designated oil pump at Kusum Filling Station , Nongmeibung. As the daily sales record was not maintained, the authorities have put up the pump under investigation and the 24 hour sale facility status has been handed over to Tiddim Service Station located along Airport Road, Imphal West.
They also inspected Porompat Oil Station today and following some complaints, have pulled up the filling station owners. The pump owner has been demanded clarification and is due to be penalized, Oken said.
The inspection entourage also went to other fuel outlets and inspected the IOC depot at Chingmeirong to oversee the stock situation. It was found that there is enough Petrol stock to last for 15 days, and more for Diesel.
The minister maintained that there is no need for the public to purchase fuel in panic as the State Government will assure that all essential commodities along with fuel will be transported to the State despite the bandh imposed along National Highway-2. He assured that transporters are leaving for their supply destinations shortly under heavy armed security escort and that the public should rest assured and trust in the State Government administration.
It was found out that Kusum Oil pump at Nongmeibung had catered to the public till past midnight yesterday. The reason for not maintaining the sale record was due to the staff working overtime for pumping the fuel and not out of negligence.
It may be mentioned that the public in a panicky mode fills up tanks in assuming that petrol may not be available at pumps due to the blockade and prices may get hiked in the black market. The situation has to be avoided according to the assurance given by the concerned minister that there will be no dearth of fuel in the State.