Tight security for petro products

Imphal, Aug 25: The Manipur government has decided to provide security escorts to all tankers carrying petroleum products following extortion threats of the NSCN(IM) on the oil companies.

Meanwhile, many petrol pumps went dry as import of fuel was affected for past three weeks.

The fuel crisis fueled after the NSCN(IM) had reportedly demanded Rs 50 lakh from an oil company resulting stoppage of oil supply by the producers. Private tankers also refused to ply after the outfit's threat.

Some oil depots were opened today, however, petrol was not available there. Even petrol, in black market, was sold for Rs 80 a litre.

Manipur government had apprised the latest position to the Union Government as the Centre was holding talks with the NSCN(IM).

More than 100 tankers with fuel are expected here shortly with security escorts, sources added.

Earlier, tankers had refused to ply on NH 39, which passes through Nagaland fearing reprisal from the NSCN(IM).

The people of the state were hit hard due to the non-availability of petrol and vehicular movement was drastically reduced due the scarcity of fuel.

UNI