Tura(Meghalaya), Sep 15: Residents of the town of Phulbari have been faced with high fuel costs ever since tankers meant for the various fuel depots of the town have had to ration fuel as tankers are unable to reach the area.
The problem, as per locals, started about a week ago after the Bamundanga bridge on the AMPT road was deemed too weak for fuel trucks to pass through. Ever since, prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed due to the shortage.
In many places in the town petrol has been selling for Rs 130 per litre buoyed by black marketers making hay due to the circumstances.
Many residents initially thought that the lack of fuel was due to a strike by the fuel depots but the matter was clarified by one of the fuel pump owners who blamed the weak Bamundanga bridge for the lack of fuel.
“Tankers have been stranded as they are not able to pass through the bridge. Unless an alternative route is passed by the district administration the problem will continue. Currently we only have the reserve quota in stock,” said one of the fuel depot owners.
The local MLA of Phulbari, SG Esmatur Mominin, stated that he too was aware of the situation and had asked for the matter to be solved quickly so that common people of the area do not suffer.
When contacted on the issue, the deputy commissioner of WGH, Ram Singh said that the matter was known and an alternative route has been worked out and the fuel crisis would be resolved soon.
“They have been given an alternative route already by the SDO (Civil) of Dadenggre. One company has already been approved and started. Another will be approved soon as well. The crisis will be sorted out quickly,” added the DC.
