Fuel Crisis Escalates in Manipur Amid Petrol Pump Shutdown

Manipur is currently grappling with a significant fuel crisis as petrol pumps in the valley districts have shut down indefinitely due to serious security threats. This closure has led to rampant black market activities, with petrol being sold at exorbitant prices. The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity has raised concerns over safety and demanded enhanced security measures. As panic buying ensues, residents are left stranded, and illegal fuel sales thrive in plain sight. The situation has sparked public outrage, prompting calls for immediate government action to address both the security issues and the illegal fuel trade.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 10, 2026, 14:23 IST

Severe Fuel Shortage in Manipur's Valley Districts

Imphal, Jan 10: A significant fuel shortage has emerged in the valley districts of Manipur following the indefinite closure of petrol stations, leading to rampant black market activities in Imphal, where petrol is being sold in bottles for prices ranging from Rs 120 to Rs 200 per litre.

The closure was initiated by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity, which declared that all fuel outlets in the valley and surrounding areas would remain shut starting January 10, citing serious security threats faced by petrol pump owners and their employees.

This decision came in the wake of a bomb blast at a BPCL retail outlet known as Elidas Fuel Station on Moirang Kumbi Road on January 8 at approximately 8:10 pm.

In a letter to Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the fraternity expressed deep concern over what they termed the second serious threat in a short timeframe.

The dealers recalled that another fuel outlet was attacked on December 6, 2025, and despite notifying the authorities, threats against them have persisted.

“This marks the second life-threatening incident within a brief period. Although some measures were taken previously, dealers still face significant security threats,” the fraternity stated, emphasizing their inability to operate normally under such circumstances.

The dealers outlined three primary demands to the government:

Increased security measures at all petrol stations and for dealers and staff to avert future incidents like bomb blasts;
Full government accountability for any future attacks, including kidnappings, with obligations to compensate for infrastructure damages and provide financial support if any dealer or staff member is harmed or killed;
Compensation for damages incurred at Elidas Fuel Station.

“Therefore, we have collectively decided to keep all petrol stations closed indefinitely in the valley and surrounding areas starting January 10, 2026, until our demands are addressed,” the representation stated.

The immediate consequences of this shutdown have been drastic. Panic buying ensued right after the announcement, resulting in long lines at petrol stations that still had limited supplies.

With the complete closure, commuters, emergency service providers, and transport workers found themselves stranded, while illegal fuel trading flourished openly.

Residents reported that black market sellers were openly selling petrol in bottles along major roads in Imphal East and West.

At the Porompat Oil Pump area, opposite the Imphal East Deputy Commissioner’s gate, petrol was reportedly sold at Rs 120 per litre, while prices near Kusum Oil Pump allegedly soared to Rs 200 per litre. In various other areas, the average black-market price ranged from Rs 150 to Rs 160 per litre.

“It’s shocking that these sales are happening in broad daylight,” a local resident remarked, suggesting that enforcement agencies were either overwhelmed or absent as illegal vendors operated without restraint.

The shutdown has severely disrupted daily life in the state capital, with rising public frustration over rampant black marketing and the absence of immediate relief measures. Citizens are calling on the administration to take prompt action to combat illegal fuel sales while addressing the security issues raised by petroleum dealers.