Petroleum dealers have announced a complete shutdown of petrol pumps across the Valley and peripheral areas of Manipur on December 13 in the wake of a recent bomb threat and growing concerns over the safety of fuel station workers and people. It may be recalled that a hand grenade was recovered inside the restroom of Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol, Koirengei Road on December 6. The grenade was concealed along with a letter issuing threats of dire consequences if unspecified demands were not met. In a statement, Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity stated that the mounting threats, increasing extortion demands and intimidation of staff at oil depots have made it increasingly difficult for the dealers to operate safely in the state.
The fraternity stated that petroleum dealers have always served the people of Manipur as part of an essential service, operating round the clock during emergencies and crises as mandated by government guidelines.It also highlighted the crucial role of fuel stations in the state’s economy. “Fuel outlets contribute significantly to state revenue, collecting VAT of Rs 19.56 per litre on petrol and Rs 10.11 per litre on diesel,” it said. The dealers further stated that VAT contributions from petrol pumps amount to Rs 25 to Rs 30 crore every month, based on sales volumes.
“Each retail outlet employs 10 to 15 permanent staff, in addition to indirect workers, drivers and handymen, making it one of the state’s key employment generators. Fuel stations also support community development projects through CSR initiatives in coordination with civil society groups and local bodies,” the dealers fraternity stated. It further noted that unlike other businesses that can adjust market prices to offset illegal taxes or extortion demands, petrol pumps operate on government-fixed prices, leaving them with no mechanism to compensate for mounting unlawful financial pressures.
The association warned that continued threats and demands not only endanger public safety but also disrupt the state’s revenue system and the operational integrity of government-regulated petroleum supplies. The fraternity appealed to the government to intervene urgently, stating that fuel stations have witnessed 50 percent reduction in sales since the onset of the ongoing crisis on May 3, 2023. “Any future bomb threats or extreme monetary demands would compel them to enforce an indefinite statewide closure of all petrol pumps,” the fraternity stated.
