Minister stands guard at petrol outlets, hikes allotment to pumps
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 27 2011: Consumer Affairs, food and Public Distribution (CAF& PD) Minister N Biren while launching a drive to curb irregularities, if any, in the sale of petrol-diesel to the public today announced increase in the allocation of petrol to the fuel outlets.

Speaking to newspersons during inspection of the retail outlets, the Minister said in view of long queues whenever there is sale of petrol/diesel the department has decided to increase petrol allocation to a pump from the current provision of 7 kilolitres to 12,000 kilolitres.

After inspecting the stock at the Indian Oil Depot, Chingmeirong in the morning Biren maintained vigil at retail sale outlets in Sangakpham and PCTC, Khoyathong and is informed that such a drive will continue in the coming days.

Expressing awe that long queues continue to be common sight inspite of no reduction in allocation of petrol quantity after the economic blockade came into force, the Minister hoped that increase in the allocation will ensure wider coverage of customers.

N Biren

Speculating that black-marketers joining the queue might be a factor for long queues and ceaseless shortage of petrol, he sought cooperation of the public in the specific drive launched to ensure availability of the essential item.

The Minister also affirmed that inspection of petrol pumps will continue to curb sale of petrol in the black market for which the director General of Police has been intimated to do the needful.

With regard to public dissension on shortage of LPG, he said with the cooking gas coming under the control of the Government all possible measures will be initiated to check black-marketing of LPG.

Calling upon the public to convey any information on irregularity in the distribution of LPG by the authorised agencies, Biren cautioned that black-marketers will be punished as per law if found indulging in black-marketing of LPGs.

Reiterating the Government's appeal to sponsors of the ongoing economic blockade, highlighted that in addition to the Chief Minister announcing formation of a Committee to look into reformation of district boundaries, he said SDCs concerned have been instructed to provide relevant information so that appropriate steps could be undertaken at the earliest possible.

He opined that Manipur could have 14-15 districts.