The fuel crisis in Shillong was triggered by escalating tensions between Assam and Meghalaya following violent incidents involving tourist vehicles. According to reports from NDTV, the unrest began after Assam taxi drivers blockaded Meghalaya-bound vehicles following the vandalism of over 30 tourist vehicles. This led to clashes between taxi drivers from both states, creating a volatile situation that has now affected petroleum supply chains. The violence erupted after Assam taxi drivers blocked the way of Meghalaya-bound vehicles due to the vandalism of over 30 tourist vehicles, with Meghalaya subsequently placing a blockade leading to clashes between taxi drivers of both the states.
The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ) announced on Friday that it would suspend transportation of petroleum products from Assam to Meghalaya, citing safety concerns for Assam-registered vehicles operating in the state. As reported by NDTV, NEPMZ general secretary Ramen Deka explained that the decision was rooted in safety concerns given the flammable nature of petroleum products. The union stated it had already halted loading and unloading operations in Meghalaya amid reports of unrest in several areas. NEPMUZ members would withhold carrying petroleum products to Meghalaya until action was taken by the state government to ensure protection of Assam-registered vehicles, including those of tourists, against similar violence.
News of the potential halt sparked panic buying at petrol stations across Shillong on Friday night, with several outlets reportedly running out of fuel. According to NDTV, this panic buying occurred after the transporters' union threatened to withhold petrol, diesel and LPG from the state. The situation has created significant supply disruptions for petroleum products across the region, affecting both retail and commercial operations. The unrest traces back to days of unrest between Meghalaya and Assam over the movement of vehicles carrying petroleum products, with the crisis escalating into widespread fuel shortages.
District administrations across parts of Meghalaya have implemented strict restrictions on fuel sales and distribution to maintain public safety. As reported by NDTV, officials have banned the sale and distribution of petrol and diesel in loose quantities citing public safety concerns linked to the ongoing agitation by the Khasi Students' Union (KSU). Under these orders, the sale of fuel in unauthorised containers such as jerry cans and bottles has been prohibited under the Petroleum Act, 1934, with authorities warning that unregulated sale and hoarding could pose fire hazards and disrupt public order. Violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with other applicable provisions. The restrictions, issued ex parte given the urgency of the situation, will remain in force until further orders.
Police and security personnel have stepped up deployment across Shillong, monitoring sensitive areas closely as authorities from both states work to defuse tensions and restore normalcy. According to NDTV, the restrictions issued ex parte given the urgency of the situation will remain in force until further orders. However, diesel supply to mobile towers and road construction firms will continue under existing permissions, ensuring essential services are not disrupted during the crisis period. The ongoing crisis highlights the vulnerability of petroleum supply chains during interstate tensions and the critical role of union cooperation in maintaining fuel distribution across the region.
