Manipur Petrol Pumps Shut Indefinitely After Blast

IMPHAL — Petrol pumps across Manipur’s valley districts and adjoining areas have been shut indefinitely from Saturday following a bomb attack on a fuel station in Bishnupur district, with fuel dealers citing escalating security threats and the absence of effective protective measures.

The shutdown was announced late Friday by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) after an explosive device was hurled at the Elidas Fuel Station on Moirang–Kumbi Road on Thursday, January 8. According to police, unidentified assailants riding a two-wheeler carried out the attack, causing damage to the facility but no casualties. CCTV footage captured the incident.

This was the second attack on a fuel outlet in recent weeks. A similar bombing was reported on December 6, 2025, intensifying concerns among fuel dealers about their safety amid ongoing extortion threats and violence.

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In a letter addressed to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF stated that repeated threats, extortion demands and violent attacks had made it impossible for dealers to continue operations. The fraternity said it would not resume services until concrete steps were taken to ensure the safety of fuel station owners and employees.

Among its key demands, the MPDF has called for immediate enhancement of security at all petrol pumps, firm government assurance to prevent further incidents such as bomb blasts or abductions, compensation for damages caused to the Elidas Fuel Station, and maximum financial compensation in the event of injury or death of any dealer or employee due to such attacks.

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Fuel dealers in Manipur have previously resorted to shutdowns over similar concerns. In December 2025, petrol pumps across five Imphal Valley districts were temporarily closed following bomb threats and extortion demands, though partial normalcy returned after discussions with state officials. The MPDF, however, has argued that promised security improvements have not been adequately implemented.

The announcement of the indefinite shutdown triggered panic buying across Imphal and surrounding areas on Friday evening, with long queues forming outside petrol stations as residents rushed to refuel vehicles and stock fuel in containers. Police were deployed to manage crowds and maintain order.

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Local residents, including those from Moirang Thana Leikai, staged a sit-in protest at the attacked fuel station on Friday, condemning the bombing and warning that the incident could have caused greater damage had a fire broken out.

The shutdown is expected to disrupt transportation, daily commuting and essential services, potentially leading to artificial fuel scarcity in the valley districts. With Manipur already facing prolonged security and ethnic challenges, the situation could further strain the local economy.

As of Saturday, no group has claimed responsibility for the January 8 attack, and investigations are ongoing. Government officials have not issued a public response to the MPDF’s demands, though sources indicate that discussions may be underway to prevent a prolonged fuel crisis.