Distributors demand security to LPG transporters
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 18 2024: Expressing serious concern over scarcity of LPG refills in the state due to the 14-month long crisis and other factors including poor condition of the national highways in Manipur sector, LPG distributors in valley area appealed to the state government to ensure regular supply of LPG by providing adequate security escorts to the bulk transporters.

LPG distributors organised a sit-in protest at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, here, on Thursday against unreasonable monetary demands made by different groups and scarcity of LPG refills due to multiple factors.

One Okram Budhi, who is proprietor of an LPG agency, revealed to media persons that they receive several requests for assistance citing the crisis the state has been facing for the last 14 months.

Though the agencies extend cooperation, some insist on specific amount, which is unreasonable from the business perspective, he reasoned, while expressing that they cannot accept such demands.

Prior to outbreak of the crisis, LPG distributors had been providing assistance in social activities in their respective localities as well as players in need.

However, the demands raised by several groups have become a huge burden which the agencies could not afford, Budhi maintained.

On the other hand, he said, they have been providing LPG refills regularly up to March this year in-spite of the crisis.

Unfortunately, transporters are not in a position to ensure regular services as movement along the national highway is fraught with risks, especially after Jiribam district turned into hotbed of the conflict and poor condition of Imphal-Jiri road (NH-37) .

As a result, LPG distributors have not been able to distribute refills regularly to the consumers since April apart from facing intense pressure for LPG refills from non-consumers, the proprietor disclosed.

Conceding to have information about LPG refills sold between Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 in the black market, Budhi expressed belief that authorised distributors may not be indulging in such shady business and drew attention of the government to investigate the matter so as trace source of such refills.

He also urged the government to ensure regular supply of LPG with adequate security escorts so that the consumers could get their refills in time.

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