Security to deploy at oil pumps to prevent extortion, black marketing 

Imphal: To prevent from extortion and to curb black marketing of petroleum products, Manipur Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution minister, L. Sunsindro on Monday said he will start deploying police personnel and department officials at all oil pumps on Tuesday.

The minister termed the present shortage of petroleum products in the state as Artificial.

As a result, he said, there has been panic buying and extortion by non-state actors at the oil pumps.

“The situation is regrettable, with some individuals taking advantage of it. I can assure that there is no dearth of petroleum products in the state,” Susindro said.

The state’s daily average requirement of petroleum is 298 KL. On August 25, the state rationed 272 KL, 260 KL on August 22, and 368 KL on August 20, “There should not be a shortage of petroleum products,” he added.

He appealed to the public to stop harassing petrol pump owners. “If anyone is found manipulating the situation, they will be dealt with according to the law of the land.”