Fuel Crisis Fears Grow as Twin Naga and Kuki Blockades Hit Manipur Highways

Manipur is witnessing growing fears of a fuel and essential commodities crisis after simultaneous shutdowns and economic blockades imposed by Naga and Kuki civil organisations severely disrupted highway transport across the state.

The ongoing blockades have stranded nearly 600 trucks along National Highway-102, the crucial route connecting Imphal with Guwahati through Kohima. Among the stranded vehicles are tankers carrying petrol, diesel, LPG, and other petroleum products.

Officials also reported that more than 100 fuel and LPG tankers remain stuck at Noney along the Imphal–Silchar route, further disrupting supply chains into the valley districts.

The shutdowns were called by Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) and United Naga Council (UNC) following the May 13 ambush in Kangpokpi and Noney districts in which three Thadou church leaders and one Naga man were killed, while several others sustained injuries.

The violence also reportedly led to the abduction and detention of multiple individuals from both communities. While some captives have reportedly been exchanged, the whereabouts of 14 Kuki individuals and six Naga persons remain unknown, intensifying tensions and demands for their release.

The prolonged disruption has severely affected fuel distribution in the state:

• Several fuel outlets have reportedly started running dry
• Supply lines into Imphal have been choked
• Transportation of LPG and petroleum products remains heavily impacted

Officials stated that the Malom oil depot near Imphal airport still has adequate fuel reserves. However, a shortage of available tankers for local distribution has emerged as a major concern.

Normally, tankers arriving from outside the state unload at the Malom depot before supplying retail outlets. With many tankers stranded on highways, authorities are now depending on local transporters to directly load and distribute fuel from the depot.

However, transporters have reportedly refused to operate under the current loading charges, calling them too low.

The twin blockades have further deepened concerns over supply shortages, inflation, and disruption of essential services as tensions continue across Manipur’s hill districts.