Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Manipur officials are pleading with residents to stop panic buying as fuel supplies tighten. An indefinite strike by the Manipur Petroleum Transporters and Drivers Association, which started on July 31, has triggered long lines at Imphal gas stations. Drivers are demanding government action against illegal tax collection along National Highway 37, the critical route connecting Imphal and Jiribam.
Yumnam Nelson, director of the CAF and PD Department, confirmed the state holds enough fuel to weather the disruption. Current reserves include nine days of petrol, 25 days of diesel, 37 days of kerosene, 17 days of aviation turbine fuel, and seven to eight days of LPG. The Indian Oil Corporation Limited depot at Malom currently holds 540 kilolitres of fuel. Nelson said the Home Department is actively talking with the drivers union to resolve the stalemate. "The state currently has enough stock to last 37 days for kerosene, nine days for petrol, 25 days for diesel and seven days for LPG."
Daily consumption reaches 300 kilolitres of petrol, 400 of diesel, 10 of kerosene, 34 of aviation fuel, and 169 of LPG. While 74 tankers are currently moving along the Jiribam route, officials warn that unnecessary hoarding will force retailers to close. The strike began after a 15-day ultimatum to the Chief Minister expired without a resolution.
Beyond fuel, the department is maintaining food security for 63,600 Antyodaya Anna Yojana beneficiaries and 19.25 lakh Priority Household members. Local rice production is also expanding, with 98 mills now operating statewide to cut import reliance. Officials also reminded LPG users to update their KYC records to avoid service cuts. Meanwhile, the Legal Metrology Department is preparing to crack down on dishonest traders ahead of the Emoinu Eratpa and Ningol Chakouba festivals, setting up assistance stalls at Khwairamband Ima Keithel to monitor weights and measures.
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