Aizawl: Fuel supply to Mizoram is expected to face further disruption after the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) officially announced it would halt all loading and unloading of petroleum products bound for the state from August 1, 2025. The decision comes in response to what the union describes as the “dangerous condition” of roads leading into Mizoram, particularly National Highway 306.
In a letter addressed to the Chief General Manager of Indian Oil Corporation – Assam Oil Division (IOC-AOD) in Noonmati, NEPMU stated that oil tanker crews are no longer willing to risk transporting fuel into Mizoram due to the threat of serious accidents.
“At any moment, serious accident may occur,” the union warned, citing deteriorating road conditions that have not improved despite past assurances.
Earlier this month, the Mizoram Oil Tanker Drivers’ Association, a state-based body, had initiated a boycott of petroleum transport starting July 19 in protest against the same issue. NEPMU’s current decision escalates the matter at a regional level.
“Despite assurances by the Mizoram government that the road would be made safe and motorable, no improvements have been made, and the condition continues to deteriorate day by day,” the letter read.
As a result, NEPMU has declared that no petroleum tanker under its jurisdiction will load fuel for Mizoram from depots such as Moinarbond and Numaligarh until road conditions are restored to safe levels.
NEPMU is affiliated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and represents petroleum workers across the Northeast. The union has historically taken a stand on transport safety and workers’ rights, including actions against policy changes such as the Motor Vehicles Act amendments.
This latest move could intensify the fuel crisis already unfolding in the landlocked state, which relies heavily on this single highway for essential goods, including fuel, food, and medicine. There has been no official response yet from the IOC or Mizoram state government regarding NEPMU’s announcement.
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