Imphal : Petrol pumps across Manipur’s Valley districts and adjoining peripheral areas will remain shut for a full day on December 13, with the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity announcing a complete closure in the wake of a recent bomb threat that has heightened fears over worker and public safety.

The shutdown decision comes days after a hand grenade was found inside the restroom of Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol along Koirengei Road on December 6.

The explosive device, discovered with a letter warning of dire consequences if unspecified demands were not fulfilled, has triggered widespread concern among fuel retailers already grappling with rising intimidation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the dealers’ body condemned the escalating pattern of threats, extortion demands and harassment of staff, saying such incidents have made it increasingly unsafe to run operations.

The fraternity said petroleum dealers have continued to provide essential services to the public, remaining operational even during emergencies in line with government directives.

The fraternity underlined the critical contribution of fuel outlets to Manipur’s economy, noting that petrol pumps collect substantial taxes for the state exchequer – including VAT of ?19.56 per litre on petrol and ?10.11 per litre on diesel. Monthly VAT contributions from fuel retailers are estimated at ?25-30 crore, based on prevailing sales volumes.

Beyond revenue generation, each petrol pump employs between 10 and 15 regular staff members, along with additional indirect workers, drivers and handymen, making the sector one of the key employment providers in the state.

Fuel outlets also support various community development initiatives through CSR activities carried out in coordination with civil society groups and local bodies.

The dealers’ fraternity stressed that unlike other commercial establishments, fuel outlets cannot adjust prices to offset illegal taxes or extortion demands, as petroleum prices are fixed by the government. This leaves operators with no means to absorb growing unlawful financial pressures.

Warning that repeated threats not only jeopardise public safety but also threaten the stability of the state’s revenue flow and the regulated supply chain of petroleum products, the fraternity urged the government to intervene urgently. They noted that fuel stations have already recorded more than a 50% drop in sales since the outbreak of the ongoing crisis on May 3, 2023.

Concluding their statement, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity cautioned that any further bomb threats or extreme monetary demands may force them to impose an indefinite shutdown of all petrol pumps across the state.

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