Petrol pumps remain shutin Manipur over bomb threat

Motorists in Imphal were hit hard as petrol pumps across the state remained closed on Saturday after owners under the banner of Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) launched a one-day strike to protest a recent bomb threat at a retail outlet.
The closure forced motorists to buy fuel at exorbitant rates from black marketers, with petrol selling above Rs 150 per litre and in some cases as high as Rs 190, against the normal price of Rs 99.11.
The strike was called after a hand grenade wrapped with a threatening letter was discovered inside the toilet of M/s Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol, Imphal East, on December 6. The letter reportedly warned of dire consequences if monetary demands were not met.
Condemning the incident, MPDF alleged that the threat was linked to extortion demands, which they said had been repeatedly made in the past. The fraternity stated that fuel prices were fixed by the government, leaving no scope for dealers to meet illegal demands. They cautioned that forced payments would impose unsustainable financial burdens, potentially driving operators into bankruptcy and disrupting essential services.
Appealing to the authorities to take firm action against armed miscreants, MPDF warned that if such threats and extreme monetary demands continued, petrol pumps might be compelled to go for an indefinite collective shutdown.
Saturday’s closure marked the third consecutive day of fuel scarcity, following a two-day total shutdown imposed by rebel groups to boycott the President of India’s visit to the state. The prolonged closure severely affected private motorists, public transport operators and essential service providers, disturbing mobility and supply of essential commodities. Long queues of vehicles were seen outside a few pumps that briefly opened before shutting down, while many commuters were left stranded without fuel to reach workplaces, educational institutions and markets.