Meet deliberates on highway extortion, monetary demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 27 2024: Rampant extortion on NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway) from POL and LPG TTs and excessive monetary demands served to RO dealers (petrol pumps) and LPG distributors operating in the valley districts were deliberated at a meeting held today at Iboyaima Shu-mang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound.

The meeting was organised by the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Fraternity in association with RO dealers and LPG distributors.

The meeting moderated by retired IAS RK Nimai was attended by representatives of several civil society organisations and others.

Meet deliberates on highway extortion, monetary demands

Speaking to the media about the one-day discussion programme, BPCL transporter Prakash RK said that the meeting was organised to study the difficulties being endured by LPG distri- butors, POL retail outlet dealers and transporters, and arrive at an understanding which would do well for all stakeholders.

He said that the market for petroleum and petroleum products in Manipur has shrunk by 50 per cent.

On the other hand, the businesses of running POL ROs and LPG outlets require huge investments, Prakash said.

Whereas the prices of petroleum and petroleum products have risen significantly, the dealers' commi- ssion remains unchanged at the rate fixed in 2017, he said.

Even though the condition of NH-37 has dete- riorated to an extremely pathetic condition, there is no alternative highway for transporting POL and LPG to Imphal, he continued.

He said that unlawful elements have been collecting Rs 6200 per trip from every POL and LPG tanker moving on Imphal-Jiribam high- way even though they are escorted by CRPF.

On the average, the tankers moving on the highway have been paying a total amount of around Rs 9,30,000 in the form of illegal taxes in a singe day.

At this rate, the tankers have been paying Rs 1,86,00,000 in a month and Rs 22,32,00,000 in a year.

In the past, a tanker truck had to pay only Rs 500 per trip for transporting POL and LPG to Imphal.

This illegal tax has been hiked continuously and it has now reached Rs 6200, Prakash said.

"We submitted a representation to the Prime Minister, the Union Home Minister, the Road Transport and Highways Minister, the Petroleum Minister and the State Government on July 11 to stop this paralysing extortion on NH-37 or the huge amounts paid by the transporters on daily basis as illegal tax be compensated by the Government of India but no response has been received till date", he said.

The transporters have already decided to cease transportation of POL and LPG with effect from August 1 if the matter is not resolved in the next couple of days.

"Given this situation, we thought it necessary to discuss the matter with the public", he said.

"With regard to donations sought from RO dealers and LPG distributors operating in the valley districts, we have been saying that we would donate within our capacity", he added.