LPG shortage looms large
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 08 2015 : Following suspension of LPG trans-portation by the All Manipur Bulk LPG Transporters Asso-ciation after the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) banned LPG tanker trucks not fitted with Anti-Lock Braking Sys-tem (ABS) from transporting LPG, the State is likely to face artificial shortage of LPG in the coming days.

Speaking to media persons at their MG Avenue office today, All Manipur Bulk LPG Transporters Association secretary Kh Jodha said that IOC intimated transporters to submit documents with suppor- ting evidence about fitting their trucks with ABS by July 31 .

Even as the association appealed to the IOC to relax the new regulation, authorities of Sekmai Bottling Plant prohibited trucks not fitted with ABS from fresh loading since August 3 .

In protest against the IOC's new regulation, LPG transporters suspended unloading LPG at the bottling plant from the next day.

Moreover, all tanker trucks have stopped moving with security escorts for ferrying LPG into the State from today, Jodha said.

Generally, around 40 tanker trucks were ferrying LPG from different gas refineries of Assam.

In accordance to the intimation of the IOC, some trucks were fitted with ABS but it does not help much in lowering speed of trucks on hilly roads.

On the other hand, one ABS kit costs around Rs 55,000 .

Strangely, IOC recommended only one company for fitting the trucks with ABS.

Even chassis of new trucks manufactured by Tata Motors do not have ABS.

Until and unless an understanding is reached, loading and unloading of LPG would remain suspended, Jodha.

He added that a representation was also submitted to the CAF&PD Minister on Thursday on the same issue.

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