Fuel supply to ROs ceased
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 02 2016:
Fuel supply to retail outlets has been ceased following an indefinite strike launched by the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association in protest against the IOC's call for 'Expression of Interest' tender which is purportedly aimed at roping in ROs, dealers and direct consumers in the process of transporting petrol, diesel and branded fuel in bulk.
It is expected that the IOC's new initiative which would be enforced throughout the country would help a lot in making quality fuel products available to consumers in places like Manipur.
Yet, some quarters are apprehensive that the new initiative would harm the interest of general transporters.
Some officials/persons related with transportation/supply of fuels told The Sangai Express that the IOC has been inviting applications for tender (Expression of Interest) to implement the new initiative.
As per the terms and conditions of the tender, ROs as well as direct consumers are allowed to furnish the number of tanker trucks which are at their disposal.
Fuel transported by ROs and direct consumers in their own tanker trucks would go directly to them.
If there is any outcry from the public due to sub-standard quality of fuel at oil pumps, the particular oil pumps should take sole responsibility.
At the same time, IOC would find it a lot easier to take up necessary action against the defaulting oil pumps.
There were reports about adulteration of fuel in Manipur for a prolonged period until the IOC's locker system was introduced.
Even after the new locker system was introduced, oil tanker drivers used to cut the steel rod on which the locker system was fixed.
Once the steel rod was cut, the drivers could easily open the lids of the tankers and adulterate the fuel.
Even though the IOC was aware of this unethical practice, they could not take up any action.
Taking strong exception to the IOC's new initiative, the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association launched an indefinite strike.
Subsequently, IOC's Chingmeirong depot has been closed since November 1 .
The depot remained closed today too which implied that no fuel was supplied to ROs.
As such, people are likely to face acute shortage of fuel in the next
couple of days.