Fuel stock still low in Manipur

 IMPHAL, August 8: At least 35 oil tankers, including four LPG bullet tankers arrived in Imphal on Thursday however it is unlikely that in the next two-three days it will be possible to start open sale of fuel in the state considering the current oil stock.Sources informed NNN that 35 oil tankers, including four bullet tankers arrived in the capital in the afternoon. They were transported by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPC).Seven petrol tankers (20 kl), 16 diesel tankers (12 kl), one kerosene tanker and four bullet tankers were shipped in to the state by the IOC while the BPC ferried five petrol tankers and two diesel tankers.However, it is unlikely that open sale of fuel in the state will be possible to start in the next two-three days in view of the current oil stock, the sources said.The sudden shortage of fuel in Manipur was caused by a heavy landslide that occurred along National Highway-2 at Phesema in Kohima, Nagaland.Meanwhile, the IOC has authorized the state oil tankers to transport fuel from Assam’s Numaligarh which is only 305 km from Imphal and hence a shorter way while comparing to Digboy, Tinsukia and others. IOC has taken up the step in view of the present thin oil stock in the state.Around 35 oil tankers escorted by CRPF will be leaving Imphal for Numaligarh tonight, the sources added.Oil tankers of the state usually transport fuel from Assam’s oil cities Digboy, Tinsukia and other places of that state. Meanwhile, the proposed twin bandhs by United Naga Council (UNC) and the Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) beginning August 11 midnight and August 13 midnight respectively are likely to hit the state already affected by scarcity of fuel for several weeks due to the heavy landslide occurred at Phesema which completely cut off the state.At the same time, fuel buyers in the state are now running their vehicles through daily oil allocation by the IOC.