The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Feb 13: An indefinite strike by oil tanker drivers commenced from today, raising the spectre of an artificial shortage of petroleum products gripping the state.

The drivers, under the banner of the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union Manipur have gone on strike demanding the transfer of two IOC officials whom they claim have been making unfounded accusations against the drivers.

While not much panic buying of petrol and diesel could be seen at oil pumps, the situation could become acute in the next few days if the strike continues.

The strike has not only affected transportation of petroleum products into the state, but also supply of these products to various oil pumps from the IOC`s main depot.

As such, oil pumps which do not maintain sufficiently large buffer stocks may be expected to close down in the next one or two days, according to informed sources.

On the other hand, as per official reports from the IOC (AOD) Manipur marketing division, a total of 939 KL of petrol is available at present at the Chingmeirong Oil Depot which will be sufficient for 12 days at the normal rate of consumption, along with 2392 KL of HSD, sufficient for 18 days, and 2470 KL of SK Oil.

In veiw of the problems expected to be caused due to the strike, officials of the IOC (AOD), Manipur marketing division submitted applications today to the commissioner, FCS department to take up necessary prior actions, for making alternative arrangement in order to avoid artificial drying up of fuel in various oil pumps.

In the meantime, IOC officials informed IFP that since petrol is included under the Essential Commodities Act, for stoppage of lifting or carrying of this product, prior notice of 15 days is required to be made to the concerned authorities.

As this requirement has not been complied with in this case, the present strike could result in cancellation of the contracts signed with the concerned transporters.

The officials of IOC Manipur division have also made a formal complaint to the SP Imphal West today to provide security protection for 31 loaded tankers which were abandoned inside the Chingmierong Oil Depot by the drivers since yesterday without unloading after the sudden announcement of the strike.

On the other hand, a spokesman of the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union Manipur has reiterated that they will continue their strike until their demands for transfer of IOC (AOD) marketing officer Amarjyoti Bordoloi, and supervisor PC Kumar.

 

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