Assembly polls likely to witness fuel shortage
No let up in long queues at pumps
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 29 2011: As indicated by the long queues which are a common sight before oil pumps at Imphal, the State may face shortage of fuel during the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election.

Even as the economic blockade imposed by the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee was lifted on October 31 and UNC lifted their blockade on November 27, petrol and diesel cannot be shipped in to the required level till date.

According to an official source in the Imphal office IOC's North East Integrated Sales Office, during normal time TT convoys made at least 20 to 22 trips in a month.

During the blockade days, TT convoys made only around seven trips in a month.

Even as the economic blockades have been lifted, the required quantity of fuel could not be shipped in.

In view of the ensuing election, the Government of Manipur has sent a written representation to increase the number of TT convoys so as to improve stock situation of fuel.

A file picture of a queue outside a petrol pump

However, no concrete action has been initiated in response to the written representation.

On the other hand, petroleum products transporters have appealed to the Government to increase the number of TTs requisitioned for transporting fuel.

Talking to The Sangai Express, some transporters informed that even after economic blockades have been lifted, it is difficult for TT convoys to make even two trips in a week.

However, transporters have not yet considered the option of going on Imphal-Dimapur highway.

They maintained even if the Government assures them security, it is only the transporters who would face all kinds of criminal activities that may be committed on the Imphal-Dimapur highway.

They opined that the fuel stock can be improved to the normal level if TT convoys are sent every third day on Imphal-Jiribam highway.

Shortage of fuel would become more and more acute as the election approaches.

Though the Govt has offered security escorts if TT convoys would take Imphal-Dimapur highway, the transporters have not even considered the option.

As such, there is no other option to improve the stock situation of fuel than increasing the number of TT convoys and frequency of trips, informed the transporters.

The average daily requirements for petrol and diesel in the State are 70 Kls and 220 Kls respectively.

It is calculated these figures would double during election time.