Three-day petrol pump shutdown brings Manipur commuters to a standstill

The three-day closure of petrol pumps across the Imphal Valley and its peripheral areas has caused widespread hardship for daily commuters, forcing many to purchase fuel at exorbitant rates from the black market and disrupting essential services.

Petrol pumps remained shut from December 11 to December 13 due to two separate developments. A two-day total shutdown was imposed by CorCom (a conglomerate of insurgent groups active in Manipur) on December 11 and 12 to protest the recent visit of President Droupadi Murmu to the state. This was followed by a day-long closure on December 13 called by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity, condemning a bomb threat at the Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol, Koirengei Road, in Imphal East district.

The prolonged shutdown severely affected commuters, particularly those dependent on fuel for livelihood. Several residents reported being compelled to buy fuel at inflated prices, with petrol reportedly selling for up to ₹150 per litre in the black market. Commuters also raised concerns about the quality of fuel being sold illegally.

A school van driver, speaking to India Today NE, described the situation as extremely distressing. He said that he typically spends ₹500–₹600 daily on fuel to transport students. With petrol pumps closed, he was forced to travel extensively in search of black-market fuel, paying significantly higher prices. “As a van driver, I cannot stop my duty because of petrol pump closures. Since morning, I have been searching for fuel. These sudden shutdowns have made life extremely difficult, especially for economically weaker sections,” he said, urging authorities to take steps to prevent such disruptions in the future.

Acknowledging the public inconvenience, executive members of the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity stated that the shutdown was a measure of last resort. They cited persistent threats, intimidation and extortion demands from unidentified groups as the primary reason behind the protest.

According to the fraternity, petrol pump operations are already financially strained due to regulated pricing fixed by the government, additional unofficial levies along highways, and recurring monetary demands that are beyond their capacity to pay. Despite contributing to public welfare as essential service providers, dealers said continued threats have eroded their confidence in safely continuing operations.

Strongly condemning the bomb threat incident at the Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station on December 6, the fraternity termed it a grave security concern endangering both the public and petrol pump employees. They revealed that a hand grenade was allegedly found inside the toilet complex of the filling station, accompanied by a letter threatening severe consequences if unspecified demands were not met.

Following the incident, the fraternity submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, seeking an appointment to discuss issues related to extortion and security threats. However, they stated that no response has been received so far.

The December 13 shutdown, they clarified, was organised to press demands for an end to forced donations and intimidation, and to ensure that petrol pump entrepreneurs are not financially crippled for providing essential public services.