LPG stock running low at bottling plant
25-Jul-2024
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 24 : Considering the restricted flow of LPG into the State, replenishing the stock for normal supply of cooking gas to customers may take about a month, said a source.
This, as the stock at the IOCL's Sekmai gas bottling plant has been reduced to only 460 MT from 550 MT yesterday.
Like yesterday, the gas plant supplied 20 truckloads of refilled LPG cylinders to distributors today.
In normal times, the plant supplies around 40-45 truckloads of refilled cylinders.
While 4 loaded tankers reached the plant yesterday, none arrived today.
Even as the deteriorating condition of the Imphal-Jiribam road has significantly hindered and restricted the supply, no loaded tankers are likely to reach the plant tomorrow either, said the source.
Meanwhile, amid the shortage of the stock, distributors are struggling to provide refilled cylinders to customers.
Most distributors have backlogs of at least 3 months. Customers are getting refill cylinders 3 months after booking.
In simple terms, many customers are without cooking gas for 3 months.
The number of bookings has increased, but distributors are unable to fulfil the orders. Going by the present trend, the period of backlogs with the distributors are likely to increase by 4 months, said sources.
Raising hope for an improved flow of LPG, empty tankers are likely to leave Imphal and resume service from tomorrow.
Notably, the tankers had suspended service for three days to give NHIDCL a window to repair the Imphal-Jiribam road.
All preparations including arrangement for CRPF escorts are being completed for smooth commute of empty POL and LPG tankers tomorrow, said the sources.
As per Jiribam district police, there are a total of 176 vehicles including 82 tank trucks, 70 LPG bullet tankers and 24 body trucks at Jiribam ready to leave for Imphal tomorrow.
When will the trucks reach Imphal can't be said due to bad road conditions, said sources among the transporters.