Fuel pumps likely to shut
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 27 2023:
Oil pumps are likely to shut down if the present allocation system on rotation continues, said a highly influential person of Manipur Petroleum Dealers' Association (MPDA).
Addressing media persons this afternoon during a press conference which was also attended by representatives of IOCL, BIPL, HPCL, Nayara Energy (ESSAR) and MPDA, he said oil pumps may stop operation in case the present rotational allocation system governed by the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) Department continues and no new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is introduced.
He said that the said allocation system is enforced only in Imphal East and Imphal West districts while oil pumps in other districts are allowed open sale, he said.
He further informed that written applications seeking chances in the allocation system have been submitted to the CAF and PD Minister and the Chief Secretary on May 18 and 19 respectively.
However, there has been no response to the applications and no steps have been taken up by the authorities concerned, he said.
Since the start of the relaxation of curfew from May 8, only 10-15 percent of the 102 oil pumps serving in Imphal West and East are allowed to open.
It only hits the petroleum business sector while there is no cap on other business sectors, he said.
Due to the limitations there has been difficulties in clearing loans and disbursing salaries to the pump employees, he said.
Not only this, opening of select pumps on a particular day in the twin districts has encouraged panic buying and created the impression that oil pumps which are forced to close due to non allocation, are selling fuel to the black market, he added.
If the present rotational system is being enforced due to inadequacy in fuel stock then why could not the procedure to stock up at the Malom oil depot using big tankers from outside the State be adopted as done earlier, he asked.
Considering the inconvenience and the ever rising demand for fuel with the fast approaching agricultural season, the authorities concerned should allow oil pumps to open and sell all their stocks, he said.
Even if the oil depot at Malom is not fully stocked, available quantity should be equally allocated to all the oil pumps, he said while drawing difference between the earlier situations and the present situation and calling for introduction of a new viable and just SOP.