IMPHAL | Nov 22: The All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association (AMPPTA) has announced they will go on an indefinite strike with immediate effect from late in the evening today demanding the Indian Oil Cooperation Limited (IOCL) cancel its newly floated tender for the transporters.
Speaking to media persons late in the evening at Nirmala Hotel, secretary AMPPTA, A Tamphayai, contended that the rate offered in the newly floated tender is much lesser than the rates quoted in the year 2014 and that even after adding maximum price band of 10 percent to it, the amount of transportation rate come much less than what they (transporters) are getting presently.
He said that despite repeated appeals and meetings between both sides, with the latest meeting held just recently, to rectify the newly floated norms the IOCL remained deaf ear.
“Much before the tender was floated, our association has highlighted various concerns which if not addressed properly would bring a tussle. This was reminded to all the officials of the IOC since February 2016 and also it was conveyed in the presence of the concerned minister,” he said.
The transporter leader said that the newly floated tender will go online from 3pm tomorrow amounting to adding salt to the wounds.
Contending that the new rate was fixed only for the transporters based in Imphal, he said the aggrieved transporters are left with no choice to go on agitation to save the jobs of 1200 drivers and handymen under the association.
It has been informed that all oil tankers currently outside the state and also in the state ferrying petroleum products from Malom depot will stay off roads during the strike.
Source: Imphal Free Press
