LPG shortage looms
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 21 2019:
Members of Bulk LPG Transporters and Representatives Association Manipur, have claimed that the State is likely to face an artificial shortage of LPG cylinders due to negligence by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) authorities.
Speaking to media persons, the members claimed that the IOCL has failed to ensure proper supply of gas in time for the LPG Tanker Trucks (TTs) of Manipur at the various gas bottling plants in Assam.
They informed that TTs from Manipur often stay grounded for around 5 to 10 days near the gas bottling plants of North Guwahati, Noonmati, Duliyajal, Gopanri and Bongaigaon of Guwahati.
As such only three trips can be made in two months for bringing in gas while in the past, three trips could be made in only one month, they said.
This has led to great inconveniences for the transporters -and drivers, apart from leading to shortage of LPG at Sekmai gas bottling plant.
They informed that Sekmai gas bottling plant has a capacity of 1700 MT of LPG and to ensure proper supply of LPG to the said bottling plant, IOCL had called a tender last year for engaging 230 TTs (which has a combined capacity equivalent to 7 MT).
For the first time since its establishment, the LPG stock at the gas bottling plant reached 1700 MT in December last year, they added.
However, the members claimed that despite absence of bandhs, blockades or natural calamities, the LPG stock at the gas bottling plant was only 940 MT in the afternoon of January 18.Manipur uses on average 100-300 MT of LPG per day and the current stock will last only 9 days, they claimed.
They conveyed that the negligence on the part of the IOCL will not only inconvenience the LPG transporters but the public as well.
The LPG distributors of the State still have one or two months worth of backlog.
A time will soon come when the people will have to stand in long queues again for availing LPG, they said.
They then expressed desire for the IOCL authorities to take up necessary steps to ensure timely delivery of gas for the welfare of the people and the transporters as well.