Manipur: Fuel Transporters Set July 30 Deadline to End Alleged Extortion on NH-37
Imphal, July 16: Petroleum transporters and passenger vehicle operators in Manipur have urged the state government to take immediate action against alleged extortion along National Highway-37 (Imphal–Jiribam route), warning that the transportation of fuel and LPG could be suspended if the issue is not resolved by July 30.
A joint memorandum submitted to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on July 15 by seven transport and dealers’ associations, including the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association and the HPCL Dealers Association, highlighted the growing financial burden caused by alleged illegal collections along the highway.
According to the associations, transporters are reportedly forced to pay more than ₹7,000 in illegal levies for every fuel tanker round trip despite travelling under CRPF security escort. They alleged that the amount, which was once around ₹200 per trip, has gradually increased to several thousand rupees.
The memorandum stated that tanker drivers travelling from Imphal to Jiribam are allegedly asked to pay ₹500 at Awangkhul. During the return journey, they reportedly face additional collections of ₹5,000 at Oinamlong, ₹3,500 at Kambiron, and between ₹500 and ₹1,200 at Jiribam Parking, Nungba and Noney.
The associations said freight charges are fixed by oil marketing companies, leaving transporters unable to recover the additional costs incurred due to the alleged extortion.
They warned that if the government fails to dismantle the alleged extortion network or provide compensation for the financial losses by July 30, they will suspend the transportation of petroleum products, oil, lubricants (POL), and LPG along the Imphal–Jiribam route from July 31.
Meanwhile, passenger vehicle operators have also demanded stronger security arrangements on NH-37. They claimed that the absence of regular security escorts has left several passenger vehicles travelling to Tamenglong, Nungba, Noney, and Jiribam stranded at New Keithelmanbi.
The operators urged the government to introduce dedicated security escorts for passenger vehicles, instead of relying solely on truck convoys, to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of commuters.
The transport bodies expressed hope that the state government would take prompt measures to address the issue and prevent disruptions to the supply of essential commodities, including fuel and LPG.
