IMPHAL: The Manipur government on Friday sought to allay public concerns over the availability of fuel and LPG, stating that the state has sufficient stocks despite disruptions caused by a section of petroleum tanker drivers.
Speaking at the Directorate of Information and Public Relations’ (DIPR) Meet the Press programme, director of the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) Department Yumnam Nelson said the Home Department is in talks with the petroleum tanker drivers’ union to resolve the issues behind the ongoing protest.
He urged the public not to indulge in panic buying, saying fuel supplies continue to enter the state through the Jiribam route and there is no immediate shortage of petroleum products or cooking gas.
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According to Nelson, the state currently has enough stock to last 37 days for kerosene, nine days for petrol, 25 days for diesel and seven days for LPG.
It may be mentioned that the Manipur Petroleum Transporters & Drivers Association had earlier announced an indefinite “Steering Wheel Down” strike from July 31, alleging that no concrete resolution had emerged after the expiry of the 15-day notice submitted to the state government on July 15 seeking action against alleged illegal taxation along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam route).
The association had stated that the agitation would halt the loading and supply of petroleum products and LPG from Malom Depot and Sekmai Bottling Plant, while allowing only tankers already on the highway on or before July 30 to complete their journeys.
On food security, Nelson said the department continues to implement the National Food Security Act (NFSA) through the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Priority Household (PHH) categories. He said 63,600 AAY beneficiariesreceive 2,223 metric tonnes of rice, while more than 19.25 lakh PHH beneficiaries are covered with an allocation of 9,629.74 metric tonnes of rice. Rice is also supplied under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) whenever allocated by the Centre.
The department also monitors the prices of 18 essential commodities through the State Level Price Monitoring Committee to keep track of market fluctuations and safeguard consumer interests, he said.
Nelson added that the government is encouraging local rice production through decentralised paddy procurement and the SASCI project. As part of the initiative, 98 rice mills have been established across the state to strengthen local processing capacity and reduce dependence on rice imported from outside Manipur.
Responding to queries on kerosene distribution, CAF&PD officer on special duty Haobam Bobby said the present allocation system differs significantly from previous years. For the 2026-27 financial year, the Centre has allocated 672 kilolitres of kerosene per quarter, primarily for fisheries, fairs, exhibitions and emergency situations such as pandemics and natural disasters.
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He clarified that kerosene is no longer distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) due to changes in the subsidy regime. However, eligible individuals can apply to the department if kerosene is required for approved purposes.
Bobby also appealed to LPG consumers to complete their mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, warning that connections without updated KYC could be discontinued.
Also speaking at the briefing, assistant controller of the Legal Metrology (Weights and Measures) Department Sanabam Suraj said the department will intensify inspections ahead of the Emoinu Eratpa and Ningol Chakouba festivals to prevent consumers from being cheated through faulty weighing instruments.
Special consumer assistance stalls will be set up at Khwairamband Ima Keithel during the festive season. Consumers can also lodge complaints at the department’s office at DC Complex, Lamphel, or through its official social media platforms. Suraj warned that strict legal action would continue against traders found violating weights and measures regulations.
