SHILLONG: Meghalaya is facing a severe fuel crisis after the North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ) suspended all petroleum shipments from Assam, citing safety concerns following violent incidents during the August 19 Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Black Flag Bike Rally in Shillong.
The unrest left 31 vehicles damaged and 16 commuters injured.
In response, the NEPMZ halted all loading, unloading, and transportation of petroleum products, demanding safety guarantees and financial compensation for damaged vehicles before resuming operations.
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The abrupt suspension triggered panic buying across Shillong and nearby areas, leading to chaos at fuel stations. Long lines of vehicles quickly depleted petrol pump reserves, forcing several smaller outlets to close after running out of stock.
Managers at major stations reported that their supplies were exhausted overnight and warned that remaining stocks would run out within 24 to 48 hours if the blockade continues.
The disruption has severely impacted daily commutes, public transport, and essential services, with drivers and residents expressing deep concern about the growing crisis.
With both state authorities and fuel dealers awaiting a resolution between transport unions and security officials, Meghalaya now faces the threat of a prolonged energy crunch unless the deadlock is urgently resolved.
(4FrontMedia news)
