Imphal, Aug 6 : In the wake of economic blockade on two national highways, open sale of petrol and diesel was today initiated in four oil depots in Manipur in accordance with the decision of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF and PD) Department.


Supply of goods was hit and most of the oil depots remained closed since April due to the economic blockade put up by Naga organisations.

Petrol was currently being sold in the black market at Rs 90 per litre and cooking gas at around Rs 1,500 per cylinder, while the actual prices of the fuels stood at Rs 50.15 per litre and Rs 360 per cylinder respectively.

It was learnt that only ten litres of petrols had been supplied against hundreds of vehicles that remained queued on the streets, sources said adding security was being provided to all the oil depots.

Consumer Affairs Minister Y Erabot said security had been also tightened for the trucks and vehicles plying on the national highways.

''The state has only a three-day stock for diesel. There is an acute shortage of kerosene and cooking gas,'' Mr Erabot added.

He also informed that some policemen were found involved in selling petroleum products in black markets, saying a large number of items used for the transport and hoarding of petroleum products were seized from the campus of state Manipur Rifles and State Jail complexes.

A detailed report in this regard would be submitted to the government, according to him.