Fuel stations across Manipur, primarily in the Imphal valley, have initiated an indefinite shutdown of operations. This drastic step is a protest called by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) following a bomb attack on a fuel station in Bishnupur district.
The Incident That Sparked the Crisis
The shutdown was triggered by a serious security incident on Friday, January 11, 2026. Unknown assailants targeted a BPCL petrol pump located on the Moirang Kumbi Road in Bishnupur. The attackers hurled a bomb at the facility, leading to an explosion. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from the blast, but the event sent shockwaves through the dealer community.
Panic Buying and Soaring Black Market Prices
The announcement of the indefinite shutdown, set to commence from 7 pm on Saturday, immediately led to widespread panic buying. Long queues formed at fuel stations even before the closure took effect. With official outlets shutting down, the black market swiftly capitalized on the shortage. Reports indicate that the price of petrol on the black market skyrocketed to as high as Rs 160 per litre, a significant markup from regular prices.
Dealers' Demands and Government Response
In a memorandum submitted to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF outlined their grave concerns. They highlighted that this was the second such attack in a short span, referring to a previous incident where a dealer was targeted on December 6 last year. The fraternity stated that its members are "not in a position to continue business normally" due to the security threats.
The MPDF's demands to the government are clear:
- Enhance security for fuel dealers and their staff to prevent future incidents.
- The government must take full responsibility for any future bomb blasts or kidnappings.
- Provide compensation for damages caused to petrol pumps.
- Ensure maximum compensation if dealers or staff are injured or killed.
Responding to the crisis, Anurag Bajpai, Additional Chief Secretary for Transport/TA & Hills/Textiles, Commerce & Industries, addressed the media in Imphal on Saturday. He stated, "The Government is taking necessary measures to control such unwanted incidents." He also expressed the government's readiness to hold a meeting for an amicable solution if the fraternity reaches out for discussions.
The indefinite shutdown has created a critical situation for residents and commuters in Manipur, underscoring the severe impact of deteriorating law and order on essential commodity supply chains.
