Fuel tankers to cease service from Aug 1 over extortion
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 27 2024: In response to the extortion activities along the Imphal-Jiribam road (NH 37) in both hill and valley areas, petroleum tanker operators have resolved to launch an indefinite steering off strike starting August 1 .

The decision follows the government s failure to address the issues outlined in a memorandum submitted earlier by the transporters.

The resolution to launch an indefinite steering off strike from August 1 was reached during a one-day discussion on 'Excessive monetary demands and extortion along Imphal-Jiribam Road', organised by Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Fraternity in association with Retail Outlet Dealers and LPG Distributors.

The discussion held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, here, was moderated by retired IAS officer RK Nimai.

BPCL Transporters' Association and Dealer Fraternity representative Prakash RK stated that transporters dealing with four major oil companies - IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, and Narayan Energy - had previously submitted a memorandum to key government officials.

The memorandum, submitted on July 11, was addressed to the Prime Minister, the Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, the Minister of Road Transport & Highways, the Chief Minister, and senior state officials.

It sought urgent intervention to curb the illegal taxation and extortion faced by the transporters.

An ultimatum was also issued warning of launching an indefinite strike from August 1 if the government failed to respond positively.

Since neither the Central nor the state government has addressed the issue to date, the transporters convened a meeting on Saturday with representatives of various civil society organisations, student bodies, Meira Paibi Lups, academicians, social activists, and human rights activists.

During the meeting, the participants unanimously resolved to proceed with the indefinite strike.

According to Prakash, each petroleum tanker plying along the Imphal-Jiribam highway is subjected to illegal taxes amounting to over Rs 6,000, which was recently enhanced from Rs 500 in the pre-crisis period.

This extortion results in armed groups in the hill ar eas collecting more than Rs 2 crore per month and around Rs 22 crore annually from petroleum tankers alone.

Despite the government formulating strong Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to address the issue, lack of effective enforcement has allowed these illegal activities to continue unabated.

The transporters' memorandum highlighted the dire situation and sought government intervention, but no positive response has been received thus far, Prakash lamented.

He emphasised that if the tankers refuse to pay the illegal taxes, they face threats from armed groups, putting their lives at risk.

The cumulative illegal tax collected is a significant sum, exacerbating the financial strain on transporters who operate with fixed profit margins and outdated transportation rates, last revised in 2013, and dealers' commissions, last revised in 2017.The ongoing crisis, which began in May last year, has further reduced sales volumes by more than half.

While the transporters previously managed 4 to 5 trips a month along the Imphal-Dimapur highway, they now struggle to complete even two trips on the Imphal Jiribam highway.

The situation has become so severe that transporters can no longer afford maintenance of their trucks, leaving them no choice but to cease service until the government addresses their grievances.

Despite the decision to launch the strike, Prakash assured that the transporters remain committed to continue their service to the despite the current crisis and called for public support to their decision.

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