Petrol stations in Manipur's valley districts announced 'closure' for a minimum of three days starting today (February 16), following an alleged 'financial crisis' and donation demands placed by numerous organisations.
The decision comes after the retail outlets' representatives held an emergency meeting on Thursday, stating that any additional pressure during this time will result in further closures.
On February 10, the representatives informed Chief Minister N Biren Singh that they might be forced to close their retail outlets if the financial demands or donations exceed their capacity to pay.
In the letter to the CM, representatives of the retail outlets highlighted the challenges facing them, including a decline in sales, a significant decrease in profit margins (almost 40-50%), and an "excessive number of demands for donations from various organisations."
"We are facing a decline in sales due to the present crisis and our profit margins have decreased considerably by almost 40 per cent to 50 per cent" the letter said.
"Our employees have been getting threats and some of them have been kidnapped for ransom," the letter added.
"Some of our retail outlets (petrol pumps) have been asked to close down if we are unable to meet their demands," it informed.
The representatives explained that managing expenses such as employee salaries, company fees, insurance, and income tax has become difficult with their current income.
"In light of these challenges, the representatives have requested the chief minister's assistance in overcoming the financial crisis," they added.
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