Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 07 2009:
Following the stir of the Oil Sector Officers' Association launched since this morning all over the country, the Centre has instructed the State Government to invoke provisions of the Essential Services and Maintenance Act and the National Security Act against the agitators, if the situation arises, so as to avert any disruption in petroleum products supply.
Meanwhile, Imphal Oil Depot located at Chingmeirong has stopped supplying fuel oil to oil pumps since today, conveyed a reliable source adding that the depot is unlikely to release fuel oils tomorrow too.
This was intimated by Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas RS Pandey to the State Chief Secretary.
The Chief Secretary has also been directed to activate all State machinery and take up necessary abortive measures and to forward the same instruction to all District Magistrates, conveyed another source.
The Oil Sector Officers' Association has been demanding increase of their salaries.
All those working in crude oil manufacturers or production centres and those engaged in production of aviation spirit, diesel oil, kerosene oil, fuel oil, drivers hydro carbon oils, synthetic fuel, lubricants and oil fields are included in the Public Utility Services as per the Industry Disputes Act, mentioned the Union Ministry's instruction.
Meanwhile, State level co-ordinator of IOC's Imphal Division Amarjit Bordoloi informed that all retail outlets, dealers and LPG distributors have been asked to increase their stocks in view of the nation-wide strike.
The State Government has also been informed that in case the strike of the Oil Sector Officers' Association goes on for more than two days, supply and distribution of LPG and petroleum products may be affected in the State, added the source.