Imphal | Long queues were witnessed at petrol pumps across Imphal on Saturday after fuel supplies were disrupted following an indefinite strike called by the Manipur Petroleum Transporters and Drivers Association (MPTDA) over alleged illegal roadside tax collection along National Highway-37.

The state government, however, appealed to the public not to resort to panic buying, assuring that adequate fuel stocks are available and steps are being taken to maintain uninterrupted supplies.

The strike began after the transporters’ association alleged that Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) tankers were being subjected to illegal tax collection by criminal elements along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of NH-37. The association had submitted an ultimatum to the Chief Minister on July 15, seeking government intervention within 15 days.

Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD), Y. Nelson, said the state currently has sufficient reserves to meet immediate demand.

According to the department, Manipur has fuel stocks sufficient for nine days of petrol, 25 days of diesel, seven days of kerosene, 17 days of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), and eight days of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The state’s daily consumption stands at 300 kilolitres (KL) of petrol, 400 KL of diesel, 10 KL of kerosene, 34 KL of ATF, and 169 KL of LPG, officials said.

Nelson said the government is in constant coordination with petroleum transporters to ensure the continued movement of fuel supplies. He added that the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) depot at Malom currently has 540 KL of fuel in stock.

Officials also said that 74 loaded fuel tankers are currently moving along the Imphal-Jiribam route to replenish supplies across the state. Authorities warned that panic buying could rapidly exhaust existing stocks and force fuel retail outlets to temporarily suspend sales, urging the public to purchase fuel only as required.