Most fuel stations in and around Imphal remained closed after transporters suspended petroleum and LPG supply over alleged illegal taxation along NH-37.
IMPHAL — With the transportation and supply of petroleum products coming to a standstill from Friday, almost all fuel stations in and around Imphal remained closed on Saturday following the suspension of operations by the Manipur Petroleum Transporters and Drivers Association (MPTDA).
The association had announced that it would suspend the transportation of petrol, diesel and LPG, along with the supply of petrol and diesel from the state's main oil depot at Malom on the outskirts of Imphal to retail outlets, with effect from July 31.
The supply of LPG from the Sekmai bottling plant, located about 15 km north of Imphal, to LPG agencies has also been suspended.
As a result, most fuel stations exhausted their existing petrol stocks, with many displaying "Petrol Nil" signboards.
The MPTDA had submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh on July 15, alleging rampant collection of illegal taxes from petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL) tankers plying along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway) by militants and criminal elements. The association sought government intervention within 15 days to stop what it described as an unbearable burden on transporters.
Representatives of the association also held a meeting with senior state government officials on July 29 to discuss the issue of extortion by multiple armed and criminal groups operating along NH-37.
However, according to sources, the officials failed to provide any concrete assurance on addressing the problem, prompting the association to proceed with its planned agitation.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh held a meeting with representatives of the transport union and senior government officials in Imphal on Saturday to discuss the prevailing situation on the state's highways.
Sharing photographs of the meeting on X, the chief minister said, "Met with representatives of the Transport Union, along with senior State Government officials, to discuss the prevailing conditions on our highways.”
“We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening highway security and ensuring the safe, smooth movement of passengers and goods. A secure transport network is essential for the safety, livelihoods, and progress of our people."