MPDF appeals to lift ban on oil pumps
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IMPHAL, Feb 1
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers' Fraternity (MPDF) has appealed to the G5, a coalition of five armed groups, to lift the ban on M/S Elidas Fuel Station and M/S Th Sorojini Devi Filling Station.
Even if the two petrol pumps have made some mistakes, the fraternity further appealed for a reso- lution to be worked out so that they can resume normal operations.
Notably, the G5, which includes KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, and the Koireng-led UNLF, imposed a ban on the two fuel stations on January 27, 2026, with the restriction set to take effect from February 1, 2026.
In a press note, the MPDF stated that petrol pumps in Manipur have been supporting donations for relief camps, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, children's homes, old age homes etc, and will continue to do so.
It also said that fuel sales have declined drastically following the violent crisis which erupted on May 3, 2023, due to restrictions on free movement and the inability of Meitei contractors, who previously purchased diesel in bulk, to operate in the hill districts.
Sales have now dropped to less than 50 per cent of the volume sold before May 3, 2023, MPDF said.
The fraternity also stated that petrol pumps have been paying EMIs for large loans taken for constructions to meet company standards, and they fear that failure to make payments may lead to the banks seizing the pumps.
Many petrol pumps have been sold to companies and businessmen from outside Manipur as they are unable to operate them effectively, it added.
Stating that petrol and diesel are sold at Government-fixed prices, the fraternity added that the small profits generated from fuel sales are used to pay employees' salaries, cover EMIs, Government taxes, company renewal fees, donations, and other expenses.
Despite these costs, it emphasised that increasing the price of petrol and diesel is not an option.
It appealed to the armed groups to understand the challenges of operating a petrol pump and refrain from intimidating or banning them.
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers' Fraternity (MPDF) has appealed to the G5, a coalition of five armed groups, to lift the ban on M/S Elidas Fuel Station and M/S Th Sorojini Devi Filling Station.
Even if the two petrol pumps have made some mistakes, the fraternity further appealed for a reso- lution to be worked out so that they can resume normal operations.
Notably, the G5, which includes KCP, KYKL, PREPAK, PREPAK-Pro, and the Koireng-led UNLF, imposed a ban on the two fuel stations on January 27, 2026, with the restriction set to take effect from February 1, 2026.
In a press note, the MPDF stated that petrol pumps in Manipur have been supporting donations for relief camps, civil society organizations (CSOs), local communities, children's homes, old age homes etc, and will continue to do so.
It also said that fuel sales have declined drastically following the violent crisis which erupted on May 3, 2023, due to restrictions on free movement and the inability of Meitei contractors, who previously purchased diesel in bulk, to operate in the hill districts.
Sales have now dropped to less than 50 per cent of the volume sold before May 3, 2023, MPDF said.
The fraternity also stated that petrol pumps have been paying EMIs for large loans taken for constructions to meet company standards, and they fear that failure to make payments may lead to the banks seizing the pumps.
Many petrol pumps have been sold to companies and businessmen from outside Manipur as they are unable to operate them effectively, it added.
Stating that petrol and diesel are sold at Government-fixed prices, the fraternity added that the small profits generated from fuel sales are used to pay employees' salaries, cover EMIs, Government taxes, company renewal fees, donations, and other expenses.
Despite these costs, it emphasised that increasing the price of petrol and diesel is not an option.
It appealed to the armed groups to understand the challenges of operating a petrol pump and refrain from intimidating or banning them.