Imphal : An acute fuel crisis has gripped Manipur’s valley districts following an indefinite shutdown of petrol pumps, triggering widespread black marketing across Imphal where petrol is being sold openly in bottles at prices ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 200 per litre.

The shutdown was enforced by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity, which announced the closure of all fuel outlets in the valley and its peripheral areas from January 10, citing grave security threats to petrol pump owners and staff.

The decision followed a bomb explosion at a Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) retail outlet, Elidas Fuel Station, on Moirang Kumbi Road on January 8 at around 8:10 pm. In a representation addressed to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the fraternity expressed “grave concern” over what it described as the second serious threat to petroleum outlets within a short span.

The dealers recalled that another fuel outlet had been targeted earlier on December 6, 2025, and said that despite informing the authorities, threats to petroleum dealers had continued unabated. “This is the second instance where a life-threatening attack has taken place within a short period.

Though certain steps were initiated earlier, dealers continue to face severe security risks,” the fraternity said, adding that it was not in a position to conduct business under the prevailing conditions.

The petroleum dealers placed three key demands before the government: enhanced security at all petrol pumps and for dealers and staff to prevent incidents such as bomb blasts; full government accountability in the event of future attacks, including kidnapping, with compensation for infrastructure damage and monetary relief if any dealer or staff member is injured or killed; and compensation for the damage caused to Elidas Fuel Station.

“Hence, we have unanimously resolved to close all petrol pumps indefinitely in the valley and its peripherals starting January 10, 2026, until the above demands are met,” the representation stated.

The immediate fallout of the shutdown has been severe. Panic buying began soon after the announcement, with long queues forming outside fuel outlets that still had limited stocks. Following the complete closure, commuters, emergency service operators and transport workers were left stranded.

Meanwhile, illegal fuel trade has flourished in full public view. Residents reported that petrol was being sold openly in bottles along major roads in Imphal East and West. At the Porompat Oil Pump area, opposite the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner’s office, petrol was reportedly selling at Rs 120 per litre, while near the Kusum Oil Pump area, prices allegedly touched Rs 200 per litre. In several other localities, black-market rates were said to range between Rs 150 and Rs 160 per litre.

“What is shocking is that the sale is happening in broad daylight,” a resident said, alleging that enforcement agencies were either overstretched or absent as illegal sellers operated openly.

The shutdown has sharply disrupted daily life in the state capital, fuelling public anger over unchecked black marketing and the lack of immediate relief measures. Residents have urged the administration to act swiftly to curb illegal fuel sales while urgently addressing the security concerns raised by petroleum dealers to restore normal fuel supply.

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