ROs threaten to shut down fuel business
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 31 2018: Amidst the burning issue of sharp escalation in the prices of petrol and diesel, IOC's retail outlet dealers of Imphal have made a strong point to the Chief Depot Manager of Malom Depot mat they would shut down their retail outlets.

Contending that the IOC has not been abiding by the Expression of Interest (EOI) tender terms, the All Manipur IOCL Retail Outlet Dealers Association submitted a presentation to the Chief Depot Manager yesterday.

The representation warned that the IOC should strictly abide by the terms of the EOI tender within seven days counting from yesterday else all ROs would be shut down from the eighth day.

The works of transporting fuel from loading points located outside the State to Malom depot and delivery of fuel from Malom depot to ROs are done by Retail Outlet Dealer Transporters and general transporters.

Retail Outlet Dealer Transporters were selected by IOCL after holding EOI tender whereas general transporters are selected after holding general tender.

Tender notice issued by IOCL in 2013 for selection of general transporters had a clause which allowed Retail Outlet Dealers to take part in the tender.

Since then, Retail Outlet Dealers who have their own tanker trucks have been engaged in transporting fuel.

Notice for EOI tender was issued last year and Retail Outlet Dealers were given permission to transport their own fuel.

Terms and conditions of the same notice allowed Retail Outlet Dealers to induct more tanker trucks to their existing fleets.

Retail Outlet Dealers who did not own tanker trucks but were in possession of booking slips for purchasing tankers trucks were also allowed to bid for the EOI tender.

Fuel shipped in by Retail Outlet Dealer Transporters should be unloaded at their own pumps.

Retail Outlet Dealers who do not have their own tanker trucks are also allowed to share fuel with fellow dealers who have their own tanker trucks by the terms and conditions of the tender notice.

As per the terms and conditions of the tender notice, Retail Outlet Dealer Transporters should be allowed unhindered transportation of fuel either from loading points located outside the State or Malom depot to their oil pumps, said a source.

Now the All Manipur IOCL Retail Outlet Dealers Association has been demanding the IOC to abide by all these terms and conditions within seven days.

If their demand is not fulfilled, oil pumps may shut down and the State may witness a serious crisis, added the source.

Comment