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L Susindro, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD), Manipur, Monday attributed the acute LPG shortage in the state to a host of issues.
Responding to queries raised by Opposition MLA K Meghachandra in the ongoing Budget session of the Assembly, the minister said the state is facing multiple challenges including law and order issues, and transport strikes.
Susindro cited logistical challenges exacerbated by sporadic convoy movements and strikes by transporters as primary reasons for the LPG shortage.
Notably, several transporters have been on strike since mid-July blaming extortion by militant groups, among other issues. The strike-induced shortage has resulted in a regular domestic LPG cylinder costing between Rs 2,000 to 2,500.
The minister also said that convoy movements, crucial for transporting essential supplies including LPG, were severely restricted in recent months, particularly due to the transport strike. Illegal hoarding and diversion of LPG cylinders to the black market were other reasons for the shortage, he added.
The minister said the convoys operated for only 10 days in June, followed by 14 days in July, and there has been no convoy movement this month due to the ongoing strike.
Nevertheless, he assured that the issue would be resolved soon. “The convoys are set to resume from Tuesday following an understanding between the state government and the striking transporters. We expect LPG availability to become normal soon,” he said.
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