Manipur faces artificial fuel scarcity as petrol pumps shut after bomb attack

Imphal: Manipur on Friday experienced an “artificial” scarcity of petrol and diesel following protests by petrol pump outlets over the bomb attack at the MS Elidas Oil Pump located in Moirang Thana Leikai, under the jurisdiction of Moirang Police Station in Bishnupur district on Thursday night.

Almost all petrol pumps in the Manipur valley districts remained closed, and a sit-in protest against the bomb threat was staged at Moirang, Bishnupur district, on Friday.

The protest was jointly organised by the Youth Union Club, Moirang, and Meira Paibis at Moirang Thana Leikai, condemning the bomb attack.

Unidentified miscreants hurled a bomb at MS Elidas Oil Pump around 7:30 pm, causing some damage, though no one was injured.

Police reported that a case has been registered and investigations are underway to apprehend the culprits.

No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. This was the first bomb attack reported in the state this year.

Earlier incidents include a hand grenade discovered inside the restroom of Ibudhou Pakhangba Filling Station at Keikol, Koirengei Road, Imphal East district, on December 6, 2025.

The explosive was found concealed along with a letter threatening dire consequences if unspecified demands were not met.

Additionally, petrol pump owners in Manipur had closed their stations on December 13, 2025, after receiving bomb threats and illegal donation demands from insurgents and anti-social elements.