Imphal, Dec 11: The Manipur petroleum dealers’ fraternity has announced a complete shutdown of petrol pumps across the Valley and peripheral areas on December 13 following a bomb threat at a fuel station.
The decision follows the December 6 incident in which a hand grenade was discovered inside the restroom of the Ibudhou Pakhangba filling station at Keikol, Koirengei Road. The explosive was found concealed along with a letter threatening dire consequences if unspecified demands were not met.
The dealers’ body said the escalating pattern of threats, extortion demands and staff intimidation has made it increasingly unsafe to operate.
“The petroleum dealers have been consistently serving the people of Manipur as an essential service, operating round the clock during emergencies and crises as mandated by government guidelines,” the statement noted.
Fuel outlets play a major role in state revenue, collecting VAT of ₹19.56 per litre on petrol and ₹10.11 per litre on diesel. Monthly VAT contributions from petrol pumps amount to approximately ₹25–30 crore based on sales volumes.
The fraternity warned that persistent threats and extortion attempts not only endanger public safety but also jeopardize the state’s revenue system and the operational integrity of government-regulated petroleum supplies.
They appealed for urgent government intervention, noting that fuel stations have already seen more than a 50% drop in sales since the onset of the ongoing crisis on May 3, 2023.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since January this year after the state government failed to stabilize the situation.
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