Following the CAF&PD minister’s call for deployment of security at oil pumps, one or two personnel were seen at some oil pumps located around Imphal City but have led to confusion among pump attendants.
When reporters visited the oil pumps located in and around Imphal City and in Imphal East and Imphal West districts, there were long queues of motorists at fuel stations.
However, most of the oil pumps were closed, while some security was seen at some pumps; some stations had no oil at all.
When asked, a petrol pump attendant said there were two personnel without guns, as seen standing at the station.
“I don’t know if it is the deployment of security or not. When we opened the pumps, we saw the two personnel standing at the station without guns”, said the pump attendant.
ALSO READ: Manipur government to provide security at retail oil pumps to prevent extortion
When asked about the deployment of security at petrol pumps, a police officer did not give a straight reply. Instead, the officer said mobile coverage was given by Additional SPs, SDPOs, DSPs, OC of PS and other officers and teams besides the security.
Amid an alleged fuel shortage in the state, government Civil Supplies Inspector Rishikesh said there was no shortage of petrol in the state as it was being allocated regularly.
He also affirmed that there is panic buying in the state.
“Police are deployed at petrol stations to stop people from buying fuel in cans. So, there will be no shortage of petrol,” he said.
It should be mentioned that Minister L Susindro said police would be deployed at petrol pumps in the state and even he warned fuel retailers of legal action if they refuse to sell fuel despite having stock. Retail Outlets (Petrol Pumps) of Manipur have challenged the government to ensure supplying 4KL (4000 litres) of petrol per day each in all the 127 petrol pumps operating in the valley area for smooth operation of petrol pumps.
Briefing the media after a meeting of the ROs held at Hotel Nirmala in Imphal, N Mamta, owner of an RO, informed that the total numbers of ROs operating in valley areas is 127 of which 85 are IOCL and remaining 42 ROs are BPCL, HPCL and they are running dry.
At present, out of these 85 IOCL ROs, 50 per cent are out of stock due to the rationing system while those ROs getting oil get either 4 or 8 KL while indent sent was 12KL, she informed.
So, the main cause of petrol scarcity in the state is due to the distribution of petrol by only 45 ROs out of 127 to the general public, she explained.
ALSO READ: Public spat between oil dealers and CAFPD on petrol stock position
Reacting to the statement made by the CAF&PD minister on extortion as a factor of closing petrol pumps, she said that it was a matter during the onset of the ongoing crisis, adding it is actually the shortage of supply from the depot that puts “petrol nil” stickers on petrol pumps.
Regarding the sales of petrol in the black market, she drew the attention of the government to address the matter.
Lastly, she drew the attention of the government to ensure the supply of petrol to the pumps from the depot by the government to ensure smooth sales of petrol in the state.
