Imphal, Dec 22 : The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) on Sunday issued an ultimatum to the State government, warning of a fresh shutdown of petrol pumps across the Manipur Valley and adjoining areas if adequate security measures are not ensured to address persistent bomb threats and extortion attempts. In a press release, the fraternity said it has decided to resume its agitation after the government failed to take any concrete action on a memorandum submitted to the Governor of Manipur on December 10, seeking urgent intervention to safeguard the lives and properties of petrol pump dealers.
The MPDF said dealers have been facing repeated bomb threats, illegal monetary demands and direct threats to their lives, but “no positive or concrete response has been received despite the gravity of the threats”.
Giving the government time till December 28, the fraternity said petrol pumps would remain operational between December 22 and December 28, 2025, but warned that operations would be suspended again if the situation does not improve.
Clarifying their position, the MPDF said petrol pump dealers function strictly as authorised agents of the government and are bound to sell petroleum products at fixed, government-approved rates. “Dealers have no authority to alter fuel prices,” it said, adding that unlike other commodities, the MRP of petroleum products cannot be increased to offset illegal demands.
The fraternity also highlighted that dealers collect Value Added Tax (VAT) on behalf of the State government — Rs 19.56 per litre on petrol (25 per cent) and Rs 10.11 per litre on diesel (13.5 per cent) — which constitutes a significant source of state revenue.
Describing the situation as unprecedented, the MPDF said dealers are caught in a “life-and-death crossroads”. It alleged that compliance with unlawful demands could expose them to summons and punitive action by State authorities, including the possible invocation of stringent laws such as the National Security Act, while refusal has reportedly led to bomb threats and direct threats to their lives.
Expressing regret over the inconvenience caused to the public, the fraternity appealed to the people of Manipur for understanding and solidarity. It warned that petrol pump closures would resume unless adequate protection, intervention and a concrete resolution are ensured by the State government.
