Capacity to stock fuel for only 15 days
CM gives a piece of his mind to IOC officials
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 15 2009: Pointing out the difficult situation the State falls into frequently due to bandhs, blockades and abnormal conditions in the neighbouring States, Chief Minister O Ibobi has expressed strong disapproval to IOC officials asking which State, other than Manipur, has petroleum stock for only 15 days.

A petrol pump remains closed after fuel stock ran out-File

A literally fuming Chief Minister gave a piece of his mind during a meeting held today with the Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Imphal West DC and the Regional Manager of IOC's North East Integrated State office.

The Chief Minister also quizzed the IOC official on the delay in constructing a new oil depot at Malom.

Notably, the Union Cabinet Secretary during his visit to Imphal on April 26 last year issued the permission to construct a new oil depot at Malom, the terminal of Jiribam-Imphal rail line, now under construction.

Maintaining that there should be enough stock of fuel for at least three months to meet any eventualities, the Chief Minister told the IOC officials to start the construction work of the depot at the earliest.

On their part, the IOC officials assured that Rs 2.58 crores would be deposited with the Imphal West DC within 15 days for acquisition of land.

They said that the depot construction work would be initiated soon.

On the other hand, to ensure availability of cooking gas in rural and remote areas, the State Government is keen to open more LPG distributor centres.

Of the proposed new LPG distributor centres, five would be located in Bishnupur, four in Chandel, five each in Thoubal, Imphal West, Imphal East and Tamenglong, six in Senapati, seven in Ukhrul and 8 in Churachandpur.

The State has 34 LPG distributor centres at present but most prefer to open shop only at the district headquarters.