IMPHAL, Oct 30 � Manipur Government has taken up steps to ensure availability of fuel to the public to tackle the fuel scarcity in the backdrop of the 1000-hour bandh in Assam�s Karbi Anglong district.
As per the steps, two fuel outlets in Imphal have started to provide 24x7 service from today following a directive from Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Minister Moirangthem Okendro.
The State Government directed for action against black marketeers to prevent hoarding of essential commodities including petroleum products.
The District Magistrates and law enforcing agencies have been asked to take necessary stringent actions to prevent hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities including petroleum and petroleum products and book offenders under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and Prevention of Black Marketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980.
The step has been taken in view of scarcity of petroleum products in the wake of panic buying by the public with the beginning of the 1000 hour bandh from Monday in Karbi Anglong which was called Joint Action Committee for Autonomous State demanding creation of an autonomous State.
Okendro also convened a review meeting with IOC officials and fuel retailers at his office here on Tuesday evening. The IOC officials reportedly informed that there are adequate stocks of fuel in the depots. Several fuel tankers have also left the State with CRPF escort to bring in fuel from Khatkhati area in Assam, they stated.
Stating that there are adequate stocks of fuel in IOC depot in Imphal, Okendro appealed to the public not to panic or resort to panic buying.
Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had sought Centre�s attention and intervention in view of the development in Assam.
