Imphal: Prolonged blockades along National Highway-2, Manipur’s primary supply route, have triggered an acute shortage of essential commodities in Imphal, with the crisis shifting from rising prices to widespread scarcity as store shelves and market stocks continue to dwindle.
The disruption of traffic on the Imphal-Dimapur highway (NH-2) has severely affected the inflow of goods into the state, leaving traders struggling to replenish stocks. Although the Imphal-Jiribam highway (NH-37) remains operational, supplies through the route have been limited due to difficult terrain, recurring landslides, and prolonged transit delays.
According to traders, trucks carrying essential commodities from outside the state are now taking 25 days to nearly a month to reach Imphal, compared to just a few days under normal conditions. The extended journey has led to significant spoilage of perishable goods, including fish, onions and potatoes, further reducing availability in local markets.
The supply disruption has also affected major retail outlets, with several supermarkets and large stores reporting empty shelves as fresh stocks fail to arrive. Traders say the shortage has become more pronounced over the past few weeks as inventories continue to shrink.
Essential commodities are currently being sold at elevated prices in Imphal’s markets. Onions are retailing at around Rs 70 per kg, potatoes at Rs 40 per kg, garlic at Rs 180 per kg, Mairongbi toor dal at Rs 140 per kg, Kangtak at Rs 75 per kg, and masoor dal between Rs 90 and Rs 100 per kg.
The situation has been compounded by seasonal factors. Local vegetable production has declined with the end of the summer harvesting season, while winter crops have yet to reach the markets. With limited external supplies and falling local output, the volume of vegetables available in Imphal’s markets has reduced sharply, raising concerns over further shortages in the coming weeks.