Minister talks tough against closure of oil pumps
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 26 2013 :
All necessary security arrangements would be made for lifting fuel to ensure regular supply to the consumers, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Moirangthem Okendro Singh has assured.
Talking to media persons in his office chamber at Imphal Secretariat here today, Minister Okendro admitted that the stock level of fuel in the State has declined of late due to the cease work launched by the truck drivers and the indefinite total bandh being imposed along the National Highways.
Nonetheless, the existing stock of fuel in the government depot would last for another ten days and all the oil pumps would be provided fuel for distribution among the people, the Minister said.
The Minister informed that a meeting was held today in connection with the present crisis over lifting of fuel from other parts of the country.
The meeting was attended by State DGP, officials of CRPF and members of All Manipur Petroleum Tankers and Drivers Union.
The meeting minutely discussed lifting of fuel regularly and arrangement of security.
Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that the Chief Minister has sent a written statement to his Nagaland counterpart to see that the trucks heading to Manipur are given safe passage.
Similarly, the State DGP has informed his Nagaland counterpart in this regard.
Taking serious note over the reports of some of oil pumps closing down at the smell of bandh and blockades along the NHs, the Minister warned that any oil pumps which are found closing down without specific reasons would be dealt seriously and their licenses would be cancelled.
He also appealed to the general public not to indulge in 'panic-buying' of fuel.