Imphal: Nineteen oil depots starting issuing petroleum products to the general public.
Long ques were seen in front of the oil depots. Ten depots issued disel and the rest petrol. People who waited since Friday night in front of the depots were disappointed that the oil depots closed down early.
Only 4 kl was issued to most of the oil depots by the government hence most oil depots were closed down by noon.
Due to landlide at national highway no 2 at Phesema, Nagaland may all communication networks of Manipur have stopped and there is shortage of essential commodities.
People are compelled to buy Petrol in black market at Rs 150 per litre and LPG at Rs 1500. Manipur Works Minister Kh Ratankumar accompanied by officials had earlier went to Nagaland on Wednesday and inspected the repair works done by the BRO.
It will take some time to repair the highway.
Meanwhile Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC), Manipur has allegedthat Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is deliberately causing artificial scarcity of petroleum products in the State.
President of TDC H Ranjit said if the IOC grants transportation permit of just 50 oil tankers to Manipur Truck Owners’ Welfare Association there will be no oil scarcity in the state. IOC is looking after transportation of petroleum products and during few days of blockade there is scarcity in the state. Petroleum products continue to be available in black market freely.
IOCis also not using Imphal-Jiribam Road inspite of the fact that since July 8 last Imphal Dimapur highway is blocked due to landslide. (UNI)