The Siaha district administration has officially banned the illegal export of petroleum products to Myanmar, citing concerns over domestic supply stability and the welfare of local residents.

In a directive issued on 20 March, District Administrator VL Hruaizela Khiangte announced that the measure was prompted by reports of individuals purchasing fuel in bulk from local stations to resell across the border for profit.

“While an official order has been issued, it hasn’t resulted in a total shutdown of trade,” explained a fuel exporter to Myanmar. “Operations are continuing through informal channels and mutual agreements for now, though the future remains highly uncertain.”

There are 13 petrol stations across the southern Mizoram towns of Siaha, Lawngtlai and Lunglei, of which only three are government-run.

The trader said the order may have been prompted by suspected illegal fuel transport by private petrol stations seeking to profit.

In addition to fuel, food and medicines are also being exported from southern Mizoram to Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine States.

Petrol stations have been instructed not to charge above government-set prices and to limit sales to 500 litters of petrol and 1,000 litters of diesel, with any purchases beyond these limits requiring a valid storage license from the relevant authorities.

The directive will remain in force for two months from the date of issuance, with violations punishable under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which carries penalties of six months to one year in prison, a fine ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000, or both.

An investigation has found that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have caused fuel and household gas shortages in India, driving prices up on the illegal black market.

Traders say Chin and Rakhine states rely heavily on food and fuel imports from India, making them vulnerable to shortages and price hikes whenever supply issues arise in India.