Imphal : All petrol pumps across the Imphal Valley and its surrounding areas were shut on Saturday following the recovery of a hand grenade along with a threat letter at a filling station, triggering serious safety concerns and fears of fuel shortages.

The shutdown was announced by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF), which cited growing threats to the safety of customers, staff and dealers. The decision followed an incident on December 6, when a hand grenade, concealed with a letter warning of “dire consequences,” was found in the toilet of the Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol along Koirengei Road in Imphal East district.

In a statement, the MPDF said all petrol pumps in the valley areas and peripheries of Manipur would remain closed on December 13, describing the incident as a “serious matter” requiring urgent deliberation in the interest of public safety.

“Petrol pumps remain open round the clock to cater to public needs and emergencies as per government guidelines. However, dealers and staff have been facing repeated threats and exorbitant demands from time to time,” the MPDF said.

Highlighting the sector’s contribution to the state exchequer, the dealers’ body noted that petroleum outlets collect value-added tax at the rate of Rs 19.56 per litre on petrol (25 per cent) and Rs 10.11 per litre on diesel (13.5 per cent). Collectively, petrol pumps in Manipur contribute between Rs 25 crore and Rs 30 crore every month as VAT revenue to the State Government, based on sales volumes.

The MPDF also pointed out that petrol pumps contribute to local development works and provide employment, even as the ongoing crisis in Manipur since May 3, 2023, has led to more than a 50 per cent drop in sales.

“We demand that such bomb threats and unbearable monetary demands be stopped. We are running our businesses on tight margins under extremely difficult conditions,” the statement said. It warned that any recurrence of similar threats or extreme demands would lead to an indefinite, collective shutdown of petrol pumps.

The closure has already begun to impact public transport, with inter-district and inter-town passenger service operators, autorickshaw drivers and Tata Magic operators reportedly being forced to procure petrol and diesel at exorbitant rates.

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