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Business
Mizoram fuel dealers threaten shutdown from Sept 17 over alleged extortion
✍️ India Today NE
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 04:35 AM
👁 19
Petrol pump dealers in Mizoram have announced they will halt operations indefinitely from September 17, accusing the state’s petroleum authority of extortion.
Petrol station owners across Mizoram issued a joint notice on Monday, stating that they will cease fuel sales from September 17 unless their grievances are addressed. The dealers claim that the Mizoram Petroleum (MZP) department has been demanding unofficial payments that exceed the legally prescribed fees.
According to the dealers’ association, the alleged extortion involves periodic cash collections and forced procurement of certain petroleum products at inflated rates. They argue that these practices erode profit margins and jeopardise the viability of small and independent outlets.
The state government has not commented in detail, but a spokesperson said the authorities are reviewing the complaints and will engage with the dealers to resolve the dispute. Officials warned that any prolonged shutdown could disrupt fuel supply to remote areas of the state, affecting commuters and essential services.
If the standoff continues, the association has warned that the shutdown could become indefinite, urging the government to intervene swiftly to avoid a broader crisis in Mizoram’s fuel distribution network.
According to the dealers’ association, the alleged extortion involves periodic cash collections and forced procurement of certain petroleum products at inflated rates. They argue that these practices erode profit margins and jeopardise the viability of small and independent outlets.
The state government has not commented in detail, but a spokesperson said the authorities are reviewing the complaints and will engage with the dealers to resolve the dispute. Officials warned that any prolonged shutdown could disrupt fuel supply to remote areas of the state, affecting commuters and essential services.
If the standoff continues, the association has warned that the shutdown could become indefinite, urging the government to intervene swiftly to avoid a broader crisis in Mizoram’s fuel distribution network.