Affirming that the state has enough stock of essential commodities, Manipur CAFPD Minister L Susindro on Monday appealed to the general public to stop panic buying, which has been witnessed in the state on Monday.
Addressing the media at his office chamber in New Secretariat in Imphal West, the minister informed that the state has 16-day stock of petrol, 31-day stock of diesel, 14-day stock of ATF and above 15 days' stock of food items.
“The government is there for the public. We will not let the public suffer,” he added.
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Showing apprehension on hearsay shortages of commodities by some citizens may mislead the whole public, he said, apprising the public to buy commodities as per usual quantity.
Explaining that the buying of more than the one-day stock selling capacity of petrol and diesel due to panic buying is the reason for closing of various petrol pumps, the minister, however, informed that his department will be taking up drive from Tuesday to ensure that all petrol pumps are open till its last stock.
Severe action will be taken against petrol pumps, including cancelling of license, if they are found to be closed despite having stock, he said, calling on the public to inform the CAFPD officials if they found any such petrol pumps.
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Regarding the selling of petrol and diesel in black markets, he said that the department will also try its best to control it.
The minister also informed that his department will be soon taking up a drive to ensure that all the commodities have MRP tag as per the appeal made by the MLA K Ranjit during the Assembly session which was concluded recently.
