IOC creates 'oil scarcity' in State: Transporters
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 26 2013 : Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC), Manipur has alleged that the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is responsible for acute shortage of petroleum products in the State.

Addressing media persons at the office of TDC at MG Avenue here today, President of TDC H Ranjit said that the negligence and irresponsibility of IOC officials have led to shortage of fuel in the State.

He claimed that TDC would be able to transport enough petroleum products to the State if the IOC grants transportation permit of just 50 oil tankers to Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association, a body affiliated to TDC.

Ranjit further said that IOC is the sole authority to ensure continued availability of petroleum products to the public.

There is also a written agreement with the Government that the IOC would transport petroleum products to the State even by airlift at times when all highways are closed.

However, the IOC has not opted for the alternative route of Imphal-Jiribam Road (NH-37) when a portion of Imphal-Dimapur Road (NH-2) has been sunken at Phesema in Nagaland since the night of July 8, thus leading to sudden shortage of petroleum products in the State.

The reason for IOC's unwillingness to opt for NH-37 is just for a difference of about Rs.40,000 in transportation charge, he noted.

The President asserted that TDC would strive to mitigate the problem of unavailability of petroleum products in the State.

It would disclose all irregularities of IOC to the public.

The officials of IOC should not be allowed to cheat the people of this State, he added.

The IOC authorities should issue oil transportation permit to Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association within July, otherwise, they would cease transportation of essential commodities along NH-37, Ranjit warned.

Comment