Imphal | Petroleum product transporters in Manipur have announced an indefinite steering-wheel-down strike from July 31, rejecting the state government’s assurances over tackling alleged illegal tax collection along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) after talks with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh failed to yield an immediate solution.The cease-work agitation is expected to significantly disrupt the transportation of petrol, diesel and LPG across the state, potentially affecting fuel supplies to retail outlets and essential services if the impasse continues.

The decision was taken following a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s Office in Mantripukhri on July 29, attended by Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, senior government officials and representatives of various petroleum transporters’ associations.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, A. Tamphayai, president of the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association (AMPPTA), said the government had assured transporters that it would introduce a new legal framework to curb illegal tax collection along the highways.

However, he said the proposal failed to address the transporters’ immediate concerns over alleged extortion and the security of vehicles transporting essential commodities. “The government requested us to withdraw the proposed strike, but after detailed discussions all transporters’ associations unanimously decided to proceed with the indefinite cease-work agitation from July 31,” Tamphayai said.

The strike is expected to halt the movement of petroleum tankers and LPG carriers across Manipur, disrupting operations at key fuel infrastructure, including the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) oil depot at Malom, the LPG bottling plant at Sekmai, and fuel distribution to petrol pumps throughout the state.

Any prolonged disruption could lead to shortages of petrol, diesel and cooking gas, affecting transportation, businesses and essential public services.

Earlier, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh met a delegation of transporters operating on NH-37 at the New Civil Secretariat in Mantripukhri to discuss the security and uninterrupted movement of goods vehicles along the state’s principal supply route.

The meeting was attended by the Director General of Police (DGP), Inspector General of Police (IGP), Home Secretary, Chief Secretary, Transport Commissioner, the Director of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD), senior officers of the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and officials of Indian Oil Corporation Limited.

Following the meeting, the Chief Minister said the transporters had raised concerns over both alleged illegal tax collection and the deteriorating condition of the highway. In a social media post, Khemchand Singh said the delegation highlighted persistent challenges caused by poor road conditions, recurring landslides and safety concerns along the Imphal-Jiribam corridor.

“I assured them that the Government will take prompt and necessary measures to improve safety, strengthen security, and ensure the smooth movement of commuters and transporters along NH-37,” the Chief Minister said.

Multiple stakeholders attend meeting

Representatives from several industry bodies participated in the discussions, including the All Manipur Bharat Petroleum Dealers-cum-Transporters Association, All Manipur Bulk LPG Transporters Association, HPCL Dealers Association (Manipur), NAYARA Dealers Association (Manipur), and drivers’ associations representing petroleum product and LPG transporters.

Despite the government’s assurances, the transporters maintained that concrete action was required before they could reconsider their decision.

NH-37 remains Manipur’s lifeline

National Highway-37, connecting Imphal with Jiribam, is one of Manipur’s most critical supply routes, particularly after prolonged disruptions on other national highways during periods of unrest. The corridor serves as a vital lifeline for transporting fuel, food grains, medicines and other essential commodities into the state.

The latest strike announcement comes amid recurring concerns over security, extortion, landslides and road conditions along the highway. If the indefinite agitation continues, authorities may face mounting pressure to ensure uninterrupted supplies of essential commodities while addressing the transporters’ demands for stronger enforcement against illegal taxation and improved highway security.