IMPHAL, Jun 10: There will be no shortage of petroleum products in the State even if the 10 days economic blockade being imposed on National Highways leading to Imphal goes on for the full period.
The JAC Against the Anti-Tribal Bills, Churachandpur and the Outer Manipur Tribal Forum (OMTF) have imposed a blockade on National Highways from midnight of June 9.
The economic blockade which is being called against the three Bills passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly on August 31 last year is being supported by the United Naga Council (UNC).
However, all oil pumps remained shut last Wednesday on account of the cease work strike called by the JCILPS. Again, movement of oil tankers on the highways was disrupted on Thursday because of the total shut down called by the JAC Against the Anti-Tribal Bills, Churachandpur.
Driven by a deep apprehension about possible scarcity of fuel, long queues could be seen in front of different oil pumps yesterday. But there was little rush in the evening.
However even if the 10 days economic blockade continues for the full period, there is adequate stock of fuel as 123 loaded LPG bullet tankers and oil tankers arrived at Imphal today with CRPF escorts. This has further improved the stock position.
The tankers which arrived here today from Khatkhati, Assam included 29 petrol tankers, 55 diesel tankers, three SK Oil tankers, two ATF tankers, 29 LPG bullet tankers, another four petrol tankers and two diesel tankers for BPCL.
It is reported that Manipur Police assisted in safely bringing the 123 LPG bullet tankers and oil tankers up to Imphal.
DGP LM Khaute told The Sangai Express that transportation of essential commodities will go on as usual and any disturbances would not be tolerated.
There is no need for the people to be panicky about possible scarcity of fuels. Fuel tankers will move amidst the blockade, if the need arises, the DGP stated.
Meanwhile, IOC’s Chief Divisional Retail Sale Manager cum State Level Coordinator Sinam Ibungoton said that there was no movement of petroleum and petroleum product transporters this month.
Generally, many problems are encountered during the months of June, July and August as far as transportation of petroleum products is concerned, not to talk about the ongoing economic blockade, Ibungoton said.
Apart from bandhs and blockades, transportation of petroleum products is often disrupted during these months by landslides, sinking of roads etc. Such disturbances are not confined within Manipur alone. They happen in Nagaland too.
He said that the Government has been asked to maintain the existing system of sending oil tankers with security convoys on daily basis.
On the other hand, IOC’s Chingmeirong depot issued 280 Kls of petrol and 496 Kls of diesel to different retail outlets today. These quantities are above the average daily requirements, informed a source.
