Aizawl, Jul 1: Mizoram is currently grappling with a potential fuel shortage as oil tankers and trucks transporting essential goods have been stuck for six days due to ongoing repairs on National Highway 306/06, which connects the state with Assam.

The Sairang-Kawnpui segment of the highway has been closed since June 26, following repair efforts initiated by the Mizoram Tipper Association (MTA) from Kolasib to address its severely damaged areas.

Although the repair work is well-intentioned, the lack of coordination has halted the movement of fuel tankers and supply vehicles, leading to a significant shortage of petrol and diesel in Aizawl and surrounding areas.

Saizikpuii, the Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, noted that all supplies from other states enter Mizoram via this highway.

She mentioned that after persistent requests, some tankers and LPG trucks were permitted to move towards Aizawl on Tuesday, raising hopes that the fuel shortage might improve soon.

As of Tuesday, nearly all petrol stations in Aizawl had run out of fuel, with a few operating under a coupon system implemented by the state government to manage demand.

While there hasn't been a critical shortage of other essential items yet, concerns remain elevated.

This highway, often referred to as Mizoram's economic lifeline, is the only route for importing fuel and other vital supplies from outside the state.

Compounding the situation, four civil society organizations—Mizoram Transformation Movement, Centre for Environment and Social Justice, Mizoram First, and Citizen Alliance for Truth and Justice—have called on the state government to act swiftly.

In a joint statement, they cautioned that if official repairs do not commence soon, local communities might have to intervene and repair the highway themselves.

The deteriorating condition of the road has been a persistent issue. On Monday, Public Works Department Minister Vanlalhlana clarified that the Khamrang-Kawnpui section is no longer under state control, having been transferred to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in 2020.

Despite this, the state government has allocated Rs 200 crore in 2024–25 and an additional Rs 111.74 crore in the current fiscal year to repair the damaged sections, citing NHIDCL's lack of action.

With the monsoon season in full swing and no clear timeline for restoring full traffic flow, residents and businesses across Mizoram are increasingly anxious about the availability of essential supplies.