Call to stop fuel shipment issued
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 22 2017: To protest the transportation fare fixed by Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association has announced its decision to stop transportation of petroleum products in the State indefinitely.

Speaking to reporters today at Hotel Nirmala, general secretary of All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association A Tamphayai said that IOC is releasing open online tender from 3 pm tomorrow.

There are many unacceptable tender norms including transportation fare, he said.

Since 2016, the association has urged the IOC and Manipur Govt authorities to rectify the 'flaws' in the tender process through written representations.

It is very unfortunate that the IOC has not responded to the appeals from the association and this is seen by the association as an invitation to agitation, Tamphayai said.

The floated tender of IOC saw a 14 pc decrease from 2013-14 much to the disappointment of the transporters, he said.

The association had raised the issue during the pre-bidding meeting organised by IOC at Guwahati on Nov 20 last.

However, no concrete response has been given, he added.

The IOC is apparently trying to sideline local transporters and their interest.

It is very disappointing that the IOC has not acknowledged the hardships faced by local transporters who brave bandhs/blockades and hostile environment down the years, Tamphayai said.

Manipur bound oil tankers stranded at Khatkhati, Tinsukia and other places will not move forward and all tanker trucks involved in retail distribution will stop service, he added.

All members of the association have been informed about the agitation, he said.

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