On Dec 13, LatestNewsX reported that every petrol pump in Manipur’s Imphal Valley—across five districts—was shut for Saturday after officials said they faced alleged extortion demands and security threats from “some groups.”
The closure came a few days after a hand grenade was discovered near a petrol station at Koirengei in Imphal West. Some owners say the explosive was planted as a warning because their demands weren’t met; others claim the grenade was actually found inside the toilet of the same pump. The device was reportedly hidden together with a letter threatening severe repercussions if a particular group’s demands weren’t satisfied.
Petrol operators stressed that their outlets provide essential public services and should not be targeted by any malevolent actors. They said repeated threats forced them to shut down as a safety measure, causing an immediate halt to fuel sales across the valley.
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) condemned the intimidation, noting that petrol pumps are public utilities and should not face coercion or obstruction. A spokesperson emphasized that fuel prices are set by the government, leaving no room to raise rates for illegal demands.
MPDF warned that forced payments could bankrupt many dealers and disrupt vital services. The owners also urged the state government and relevant authorities to take decisive action against armed extortionists and to ensure sufficient security for fuel station operators throughout Manipur.
With most pumps closed, long lines formed outside the few stations that briefly reopened before shutting again. The shutdown severely disrupted private and public transport as well as essential services, sparking concerns over mobility and the availability of basic goods. Residents struggled to commute to work, school, and markets due to the lack of fuel. No official statement was issued that day, though sources linked the shutdown to the ongoing law‑and‑order situation and the challenges facing fuel dealerships.
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