Imphal, Jan 10: With petrol pumps remaining closed across Manipur’s valley districts, illegal fuel sales have surfaced openly in Imphal, where petrol is being sold in bottles and containers at prices as high as ₹160 per litre, triggering public outrage and administrative concern.
The shutdown, called by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF), has brought daily life in the state capital to a near standstill. Commuters, transport operators and emergency service users reported acute shortages, while panic buying was witnessed hours before the closure took effect.
Residents said long queues formed at fuel stations immediately after news of the shutdown spread, particularly at outlets with limited stocks.
Once the pumps shut completely, black marketers moved in swiftly, selling fuel in broad daylight across several localities of Imphal.
The indefinite shutdown follows a bomb explosion at a BPCL outlet—M/s Elidas Fuel Station on Moirang Kumbi Road—on January 8 at around 8:10 pm. In a representation submitted to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the dealers’ body termed the incident a serious threat to the safety of fuel station owners and staff.
The fraternity pointed out that this was the second such incident in a short span, recalling that another dealer was targeted on December 6, 2025, a matter that had already been brought to the notice of authorities. Despite assurances, dealers said they continue to face grave security risks.
Citing the deteriorating situation, the MPDF announced the indefinite closure of all petrol pumps in the valley and peripheral areas from January 10, 2026, until their demands are addressed. These include enhanced security at fuel outlets, government accountability in case of future incidents such as bomb attacks or kidnappings, and compensation for damages caused to Elidas Fuel Station.
Meanwhile, public frustration is mounting over the unchecked black marketing of fuel and the absence of immediate relief measures, as authorities struggle to contain the fallout of the shutdown amid an already fragile law-and-order situation in the state.
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