MPDF clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2026: The Manipur Petroleum Dealers' Fraternity (MPDF) has clarified that petrol pump operators are not involved in the black marketing of petrol or diesel in any way.

It is unfortunate that some people are accusing petrol dealers of colluding with black marketers during fuel shortages, MPDF convenor L Jogendra said during a press briefing at Manipur Press Club today.

Saying that petroleum dealers are among the most affected business sectors whenever any crisis arises in Manipur, he clarified that retail outlets sometimes display "Out of stock" or "Nil stock" for petrol and diesel for the convenience of customers and no other purposes.

He also said that selling petrol by roadside vendors is not new in Manipur, denying the claim that petrol dealers sell fuel to black marketers at higher prices.

Jogendra added that petrol dealers are not involved in any unlawful activities.

He added the primary reason behind fuel shortage in Manipur is the repeated blockade and disruption along highways.

Whenever organisations impose bandh or shutdown, the public always rush to fuel stations and purchase fuel far beyond normal requirement, Jogendra said, adding that fuel consumption patterns become abnormal during such periods resulting in rapid depletion of fuel stocks within a very short time.

Saying that oil marketing companies have introduced new guidelines for the sale of petroleum products due to the crisis in West Asia, he added that retail outlets in Manipur are compelled to reduce dispensing operations and suspend sales through multiple nozzles to responsibly manage limited stocks.

Jogendra said that the sale of petrol above Rs 5,000 and diesel above Rs 50,000 is currently restricted.

He further stated that movement of petroleum tankers has been severely affected since May 13 due to the shutdown called by Kuki groups.

Jogendra also said that petrol and diesel dealers have been facing significant challenges since the Covid-19 pandemic due to myriad reasons.

He added that the crisis, which has been plaguing Manipur since May 2023, has compounded their problems, significantly affecting their business and added that the frequent imposition of blockades, shutdowns, curfews etc severely affects their business.

People always queue up at retail outlets to buy excess fuel whenever any group announces a bandh or blockade, leading to a rapid depletion of fuel stocks, Jogendra explained.

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