State share of K-oil for 5 months lapses
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 02, 2012: Manipur stands to lose substantial quantity of its kerosene quota for five months as the Petroleum Planning Analysis Cell (PPAC), under the Union Ministry of Petroleum has reportedly rejected the proposal of the State Government to ship in the provision.

It is said that on account of the economic blockade of over 100 days by both the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee and counter-blockade by the United Naga Council, transportation of State's kerosene quota for the said period was severely affected consequently leading to the loss of 3816 kilolitres.

An official source conveyed that even after withdrawal of the economic blockade on the eve of the Kut Festival (November 1), tankers and other vehicles were mostly concerned with the transportation of petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and cooking gas to ensure adequate stocking of the essential items.

With the state entitled to a monthly quota of 2112 Kls and the total for five months put at 10,560 kilolitres, Govt of Manipur proposed to the PPAC for lifting the backlog quantity of 3816 kls which the latter denied as standard norms specify that the monthly provision should be procured by the state concerned within the stipulated period.

Apart from the blockade-related loss of the state's kerosine quota, it is said that Manipur will lose total subsidy amount of Rs 10,68,48,000. Reminding that kerosine provision is specifically meant for families who could not afford LPG, the source said when there was acute shortage of petroleum products due to the economic blockade State officials of Indian Oil Corporation had even prevailed upon state authorities on the need to ship in kerosine along with other petroleum products.

However, there was no positive response to the IOC suggestion and the Government focused solely in the transportation of petrol, diesel and LPG, disclosed the source.

Belatedly, the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department formally approached PPAC to procure the backlog kerosine quota which the latter expectedly rejected, maintained the source.

On the brighter side, an informed source expressed confidence that IOC is likely to ensure adequate availability of K-oil from February onward as the stock position could be replenished for there had been regular shipment since January.

The source also confided that there was possibility of ensuring K-oil to the general public in January itself but announcement of State election impaired transportation of the same, particularly due to erratic security provision for the vehicle convoys.

Moreover, delay in issuing allocation order by the Government of Manipur and the order for kerosine provision for only election-related matters had been responsible for the denial of kerosine to the public, the source added.

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