Imphal: According to reports from Monday, tribal organizations have been enforcing a prolonged economic blockade on a key national highway, severely disrupting the supply of essential commodities to Manipur’s Kangpokpi district for several days.
While the official price of a standard 14.2 kg LPG cylinder ranges between ₹1,064 and ₹1,093, and petrol costs ₹107.19 per liter, shortages caused by panic buying and hoarding have reportedly driven black-market rates to alarming levels; petrol is being sold at ₹230 per liter and LPG cylinders for as much as ₹5,000.
This disruption follows protests and road blockades—particularly on NH-02—organized by Naga groups demanding justice for the recent killing of six abducted Naga individuals. These restrictions have significantly curtailed the movement of fuel tankers and trucks transporting food and other essential supplies to the hill districts. Due to the supply crunch, many residents are being forced to use firewood for cooking.
Supply issues have heightened public anxiety, sparking fears of rationing and further shortages. Although both central and state officials have repeatedly stated that adequate stocks of essential items are available, the transportation of supplies to Kuki-majority areas like Kangpokpi continues to face hurdles due to the ongoing blockade and prevailing tensions.
Meanwhile, Manipur’s Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has issued a warning against the spread of misinformation regarding alleged or impending shortages of LPG and petroleum products in the state.
The department stated that certain social media users and propagandists are circulating misleading claims, creating unnecessary panic and confusion among consumers and the general public.
