Petrol Pumps in Manipur Shut Down Amid Bomb Threats and Extortion Demands

Fuel stations across Manipur remained closed on Saturday following a one-day strike called by petroleum dealers in protest against escalating bomb threats and illegal extortion demands from militant groups and anti-social elements.

The shutdown triggered widespread fuel shortages, forcing motorists to turn to the black market where petrol was reportedly sold at inflated prices of up to Rs 170 per litre in Imphal.

The decision to close pumps came in the wake of a disturbing incident on December 6, when a live hand grenade was discovered hidden in the restroom of Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol along Koirengei Road in Imphal East district. The explosive device was accompanied by a letter issuing threats of severe repercussions unless certain unspecified demands were fulfilled.

Banners displayed at shuttered fuel outlets conveyed the dealers' strong condemnation of the intimidation tactics. Messages included appeals to end "extremely exorbitant and unbearable" donation demands, emphasising that petrol pumps operate as public service providers selling products at government-fixed rates and cannot generate extra revenue to meet illegal levies unlike other commodities.

The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity, along with retailers affiliated with major companies such as IndianOil, Hindustan Petroleum, Assam Oil, Bharat Petroleum, Goal Bio Oil, and Nayara Energy, issued a unified statement denouncing the targeting of fuel stations.

They described petrol pumps as essential public utilities that should remain exempt from such coercion under any circumstances.

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