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With several petrol pumps in Shillong displaying “No Petrol” notices after long queues were witnessed outside fuel stations last evening amid panic buying, Meghalaya is facing mounting fuel-supply concerns following the halt in transportation of petroleum products from Assam after the August 19 violence involving Assam-registered vehicles. The District Administration is closely monitoring the situation and is in talks with oil marketing companies to secure replenishment stocks, while the Supply Department is expecting a possible breakthrough by Sunday following the high-level meeting at Khanapara between Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister in-charge of Transport Sniawbhalang Dhar and Assam Cabinet Minister Atul Bora, with efforts underway to restore the movement of fuel tankers between the two States.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and we are simultaneously trying to keep tap on the petrol situation and simultaneously we are closely following up with all the Oil Marketing Companies to get the replenishment stock as soon as possible,” East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal said.
The fuel disruption followed the August 19 violence during the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) black-flag bike rally in Shillong, after which the North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ) halted the movement of fuel supplies from Assam to Meghalaya, citing safety concerns for Assam-registered vehicles.
The situation has since prompted the Meghalaya and Assam governments to step up efforts to restore normal fuel movement. Sources in the Food and Civil Supplies Department said a possible breakthrough could come as early as tonight, while Sunday is being viewed as a crucial day for the restoration of normal supplies.
“Hopefully we will see breakthrough tomorrow, it may start from tonight,” sources said.
“Tomorrow is the wait and watch day, when all the meeting will happen and Assam Government will reach out groups, we hope tomorrow normalisation take place,” he added.
The Assam Government has already begun engaging with groups in Jorabat as part of efforts to address concerns surrounding the movement of Assam-registered vehicles into Meghalaya.
Meanwhile, available fuel stocks are being prioritised for essential and emergency services, including ambulances and fire services, as authorities seek to ensure that the disruption does not affect critical operations.
The developing fuel shortage has also triggered panic buying in Shillong, with long queues witnessed outside several petrol pumps last evening as residents rushed to refuel amid concerns over dwindling supplies.
The administration is now closely watching the outcome of the inter-State engagement, with Sunday emerging as a key test for whether fuel movement can resume and supplies across Meghalaya return to normal.
