By John K. Kaping
UKHRUL August 13: Ukhrul district has completely run out of petroleum fuels since the last 4-5 days as the two main oil depots in Ukhrul which are located at Hundung junction and Kharasom junction have closed their counters following the depots have exhausted their stock owing to the on-going agitation of the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee demanding creation of a full fledged Sadar Hills district.
Even though there have been reports of goods laden trucks being escorted through the Jessami highway under full-proof security arrangement, there has been no supply of fuel to the Ukhrul oil depots. There are reports that even though diesel can be found at the rate of Rs 60 if one is lucky enough from the black marketers, it is almost impossible to find petrol in Ukhrul at the moment even if one is willing to pay more money. Petrol is reportedly unavailable even with the black marketers.
Meanwhile, the acute shortage of diesel and the almost nil stock of petrol in Ukhrul have affected vehicular traffic in the district, especially the taxis operating in the district. The shortage has also affected various private businesses, NGOs, institutes and offices.
Meanwhile, even though the blockade along the National Highways has yet to affect the prices of essential commodities in the district, another problem arising out of it is the shortage of LPG gas with numerous households reporting emptiness of their cylinders.
