Petroleum transporters in Manipur have warned of suspending operations from July 31, alleging widespread extortion along NH-37 despite CRPF escorts, and urging immediate government intervention.
Imphal, July 15: Petroleum transporters and fuel dealers' associations in Manipur have jointly urged the state government to take immediate action against alleged extortion targeting fuel tankers operating along the Imphal-Jiribam stretch of National Highway-37, warning that they may suspend transportation services from July 31 if the issue remains unresolved.
In a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister and senior government officials on Tuesday, representatives of several petroleum transport and dealer associations alleged that tanker operators have been subjected to repeated illegal collections while transporting petroleum products under CRPF escort convoys.
The memorandum, which bears acknowledgement stamps from the Chief Minister's Secretariat, the Home Department, and Indian Oil Corporation's divisional office in Imphal, states that the problem has persisted since May 2023 despite the presence of security escorts.
According to the representation, approximately 100 fuel tankers travel along the Imphal-Jiribam highway during each convoy movement. The associations alleged that individuals at multiple locations along the route collect money from tanker operators despite the movement being escorted by CRPF personnel.
The transporters claimed that what initially began as collections of around Rs 200 per trip has gradually increased over time, with the total amount allegedly exceeding Rs 7,000 per journey in some instances.
They maintained that these additional expenses are not covered under transportation contracts awarded by oil marketing companies and are therefore being borne entirely by transporters.
The memorandum includes a location-wise breakdown of the alleged collections. According to the document, amounts are reportedly collected at Awangkhul, Kambiron, Nungba, Jiribam Parking, Noney and Oinamlong. The highest alleged collection mentioned is between Rs 500 and Rs 5,000 at Oinamlong, while Kambiron accounts for Rs 3,500 on the return journey from Jiribam to Imphal.
The associations also expressed concern that the amounts demanded could increase further if preventive measures are not taken.
The signatories requested the state government to eliminate the alleged extortion and restore what they described as the purpose of providing security escorts to fuel convoys.
They further urged the government to either ensure that such collections are stopped immediately or make arrangements for the additional expenses to be borne by oil marketing companies or the state government if transport services are expected to continue under the existing circumstances.
The memorandum sets July 30 as the deadline for action, warning that failure to address the issue could result in suspension of petroleum transportation services from July 31, 2026.
The representation has been endorsed by office-bearers of several organisations associated with petroleum transportation and distribution in the state.
Among the signatories are representatives of the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association, HPCL Dealers Association Manipur, Nayara Energy Dealers Association Manipur, All Manipur Bharat Petroleum Dealers-cum-Transporters Association, All Manipur Bulk LPG Transporters Association, and associations representing LPG bulk transporters and petroleum product drivers.
Copies of the memorandum were also forwarded to the Commissioner (CAF & PD), Commissioner (Home), Senior Location Coordinator of Indian Oil Corporation's AOD Division in Imphal, and other concerned authorities.
