Oil Pumps in Churachandpur District Remain Shut; Petrol, Diesel Sold Roadside at High Rates

Following the violence in Tronglaobi under Bishnupur district of Manipur on April 7, the movement of vehicles carrying essential items from the state capital towards Churachandpur district has been disrupted, as they have to pass through Bishnupur district to reach Churachandpur.

Days after the Tronglaobi incident, oil pumps in Churachandpur district have remained closed till date. However, petrol and diesel are available at different shops and also roadside in makeshift stalls, with prices of diesel starting from Rs. 110 per litre and petrol ranging between Rs. 120 and Rs. 130 per litre. The usual prices at oil pumps are Rs. 99 for diesel and Rs. 106 for petrol.

While interacting with people selling petrol and diesel along the roadside, it was learned that they bought fuel from Noney district at prices higher than those at oil pumps and then transported it to Churachandpur district. They informed that they manage to sell around 200 litres per day.

When locals who came to buy fuel were asked about their opinion on the prices, they said they have no other option but to pay the rates fixed by the sellers, as oil pumps remain shut.

Owing to the situation, the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district has informed the Secretary, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Manipur, regarding the shortage of fuel, stating that due to the recent law-and-order problem, the supply of fuel (POL) and LPG has been disrupted along the normal route (Teddim Road) between Imphal and Churachandpur district.

The Deputy Commissioner informed the Secretary that a meeting with oil pump and LPG dealers in the district, district police, and the District Food and Civil Supply Officer, Churachandpur, was convened, wherein dealers reported very low to nil storage/reserves.

The Deputy Commissioner has requested the Secretary to look into the matter and take necessary action immediately to alleviate the existing fuel and LPG shortages in the district.

The Deputy Commissioner also requested an alternative route for the transportation of fuel and LPG until normalcy is restored along the normal route.