Minister warns legal action against fuel outlets
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 26 2024: Along with assuring that security arrangements will be made to address the issues besieging retail outlets, CAF&PD minister L Susindro has urged the station owners to cooperate with the government in ensuring public have access to fuel while cautioning of legal action against any outlets refusing to serve the public.

Addressing media persons at his Khurai Sajor Leikai residence on Monday, minister L Susindro informed that compared to about 298 kilolitres required on daily average in the state, 272 kl petrol was allocated to pumps on August 25, 326 kl on August 23, 325 kl on August 24, and over 300 kl on Monday.

He noted that since the crisis began last year, some individuals are taking undue advantage of the situation through refuelling without payment thereby causing loss to the retailers and consequent hesitancy to invest in the business, forcing some down shutters.

The minister also said that no monetary demands should be made to petrol stations.

Minister L Susindro also announced that security will be deployed at all petrol pumps in the state and staff from the Food and Civil Supply department will be assigned to ensure that the pumps remain operational.

The department will provide daily updates on fuel supply to the public through the media.

If any petrol pump is found defying the department's instruction to serve the public, hoarding or engaging in unauthorised activities, then they shall face legal action.

Additionally, SPs concerned have been advised to check black-market sale of petrol, he maintained.

The minister assured that there is no fuel shortage in the state and called for an end to the man made fuel crisis.

He also informed that the ongoing work on widening of the Imphal-Jiribam Road restricted daily movement of LPG convoys from 27 to 14, leading to shortage in LPG refills.

All businesses and hotels using domestic cylinders instead of commercial ones have been served a week's time to switch to commercial cylinders, he informed and expressed that the LPG shortage is expected to be resolved once the monsoon season ends.

The press conference was also attended by CAF&PD director Robertson Asem.

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