Panic buying is headache to Govt: Okendro
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 28 2014 :
CAF&PD Minister M Okendro has stated that panic buying of petroleum products by public before the commencement of some bandh or blockade in the State is a matter of serious concern to the Government.
He was replying to a matter of public interest motion raised by MLA Th Shyamkumar during the fifth sitting of 7th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today.
Minister Okendro further said that one of the factors for sudden rise in the demand of petroleum products leading to a scarcity-like situation in the State is panic buying.
In the past, the Government always tried to convince the public that there was enough stock of petroleum oil in the State, but their apprehension for oil scarcity triggered panic buying and ultimately led to lining up of vehicles in long queues in front of oil pumps.
The recent closure of oil pumps for few days was due to the strike of oil tankers.
Similar incidents of panic buying had happened on "salt rumour" setting a record price of common salt, he noted.
The people need not worry about shortage of essential commodities in the State.
The opening of FCI Regional Office would facilitate easy transportation and procurement of food grains for the State, Okendro stated.
While raising the motion, MLA Shyamkumar said that most oil pumps would remain closed if there is some economic blockade in the State.
The long queue of vehicles in front of oil pumps would be an inaugural scene of the blockade, he added.