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Manipur Fuel Stations Halt Ops Citing Safety Concerns

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Imphal
  • Dec 10, 2025
  • 543

Manipur fuel supply is set to come to a standstill on December 13 as petroleum dealers across the Valley and adjoining areas announced a complete shutdown of petrol pumps, citing grave security concerns following a bomb threat at a filling station.

The decision comes days after a hand grenade, concealed inside a restroom along with a threatening note, was recovered from Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol on December 6. The incident has sent shockwaves through the petroleum retail network, intensifying fears for the safety of workers and customers alike.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity said a rising wave of extortion demands, intimidation, and violent threats has pushed dealers to a breaking point, making normal operations untenable despite their role as an essential service.

The fraternity underscored that petrol pumps have continued to function round the clock during crises in strict adherence to government directives, even as the sector contributes heavily to the state’s economy. Fuel outlets generate substantial revenue through VAT collections—₹19.56 per litre on petrol and ₹10.11 per litre on diesel—amounting to nearly ₹25–30 crore every month.

Beyond revenue, each fuel station sustains 10 to 15 permanent employees along with numerous indirect workers, positioning the sector as a major employment provider. Dealers also noted their involvement in community development and CSR initiatives carried out in collaboration with civil society and local authorities.

Unlike other commercial enterprises, the fraternity pointed out, petrol pumps operate under government-controlled pricing, leaving no room to absorb illegal levies or extortion demands. Continued threats, they warned, risk crippling the state’s regulated fuel supply chain and undermining public safety.

Appealing for urgent government intervention, the dealers revealed that fuel sales have already plunged by more than 50 percent since the outbreak of unrest on May 3, 2023. The fraternity cautioned that any further bomb threats or extreme financial coercion would force them to impose an indefinite statewide shutdown of all petrol pumps.