Stakeholders in the supply chain of petroleum products have called for urgent intervention of state authorities including Security Advisor to resolve the crisis which had led to artificial scarcity of petroleum products in the state.
A joint meeting of Drivers' Association of POL, Transport POL, bulk LPG and petroleum dealers of Manipur was held on Sunday to discuss the situation.
While addressing the media Security Advisor Kuldeip Singh had said that a separate escort had been arranged for petroleum tankers on NH 37 on Friday.
In the joint meeting held with the aggrieved drivers, it was pointed out that the issue being faced by POL and bulk LPG drivers on National Highway 37 (Imphal to Jiribam route) is of severe nature which involves firing gun bullets at the vehicles, several physical assault or harassment and rampant exorbitant extortion at multiple areas which is increasing day by day.
It was also mentioned that despite their several requests to resume supply to the RO's drivers or drivers association, the strike will continue until the demand to the government for protection and safety is fulfilled.
The meeting of Manipur Petroleum Dealers fraternity resolved to urge the concern authorities and the state government to resolve the matter at the earliest, as above 90 percent of the retail outlets and underground tanks are drying out (except the dead stock) and only few retail outlets are having minimum stock which will run out in three or four days maximum, especially the petrol products.
The resolution taken at the meeting also mentioned that the prevailing scenario will lead to an artificial crisis of commodities which the general public will face in the coming days.
The meeting also resolve to urge the state government, security advisor, DGP Manipur and state heads of IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, Narayan Energy (ESSAR) for urgent intervention to resolve the POL and bulk LPG driver's strike.
The meeting was attended by convenors of Manipur Petroleum Dealers, Transport, LPG Fraternity.
