Bandh triggers panic buying at petrol pumps
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 19 2024: Panic gripped the people as long queues were formed at petrol pumps on Monday evening, driven by fears of an impending fuel shortage due to the indefinite bandh called along the National Highway 37.The bandh spearheaded by Rongmei Naga Council Manipur to pursue demands for amalgamation of Naga villages in Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts into Noney district has caused widespread concern over availability of fuel, with most retail outlets in the city witnessing a surge in demand.

On the other hand, reports from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) said that fuel distribution to retail outlets is being carried out through a rationing system as usual.

Abound 40 oil tankers arrived here on Sunday, with approximately 70 more tankers currently stationed in Awangkhul along NH 37.IOCL officials assured the public that if the bandh is resolved, there will be hardly any issue with the fuel supply.

They also admitted that IOCL had been unable to allocate fuel to retail outlets in the past few days due to public holidays, which might add to the panic.

However, operations resumed on Monday and will continue, they maintained.

Meanwhile, petroleum product transporters highlighted the poor condition of NH 37 as a significant factor contributing to the fuel scarcity.

The rainy season has made the road treacherous, with frequent landslides and muddy trails posing serious challenges to tanker drivers.

Transporters revealed that excavators are often needed to pull out tankers and trucks stuck along the route, which not only delays deliveries but also risks damaging the tankers.

Damage to tankers, including dents, can prevent them from loading petroleum products, as IOCL officials require repairing before allowing refilling of the tankers.

This has made many tanker owners reluctant to send their vehicles back to Imphal until road conditions improve as repairing the tankers would entails huge cost.

The indefinite bandh by the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur has further compounded these difficulties.

While there is hope that the bandh may be resolved soon, the poor shape of NH 37 remains a pressing issue that requires urgent attention to ensure the consistent supply of fuel to the region, the transporters said.

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