Assam-Meghalaya tensions escalate as taxi blockade disrupts fuel supply, panic buying hits Shillong

August 22, 2026

Shillong/Guwahati: Tensions between Assam and Meghalaya have escalated following violence in Shillong, with a standoff between taxi operators and transport workers disrupting movement between the two states and raising concerns over fuel supplies in Meghalaya.

Long queues were reported at petrol pumps in Shillong as residents rushed to fill their vehicles amid fears of a shortage after petroleum transporters from Assam stopped or threatened to suspend the movement of petrol, diesel and LPG into Meghalaya.

Taxi blockade deepens Assam-Meghalaya tensions

The latest developments followed violence during a black-flag motorcycle rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) in Shillong on August 19. The unrest involved stone-pelting, damage to vehicles and arson, with Assam-registered vehicles among those reportedly targeted.

The fallout quickly spread to the Assam-Meghalaya border. Assam-based cab operators blocked the national highway towards Shillong at Jorabat, while Meghalaya taxi operators imposed reciprocal restrictions on Assam-registered vehicles entering the state.

The standoff has disrupted the movement of passengers and commercial vehicles between the two states, leaving some tourists stranded and affecting traffic on the key Guwahati-Shillong route.

Fuel supply fears trigger panic buying

The situation has also begun affecting fuel transportation. The North-East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMZ) threatened to suspend transportation of petrol, diesel and LPG from Assam to Meghalaya, citing safety concerns for Assam-registered vehicles operating in the neighbouring state.

Reports said petroleum workers had also stopped loading Meghalaya-bound tankers at terminals in Assam, contributing to concerns over supplies reaching Shillong.

The uncertainty prompted residents to queue up at petrol pumps across Shillong, with many seeking to stock up on fuel amid fears that supplies could be disrupted if the transport stoppage continues.

Violence sparks wider interstate tensions

The unrest followed the KSU rally, which was held as part of the organisation’s agitation over a five-point charter of demands. The violence resulted in damage to several vehicles and public property, while authorities moved to tighten security in Shillong.

The situation has since expanded beyond the original incident, with blockades and counter-blockades affecting transportation along the Assam-Meghalaya border.

Central forces have also been deployed amid the escalating tensions, while the chief ministers of Assam and Meghalaya have spoken about the need to work together to restore peace and ensure the movement of people and goods between the states.

With the taxi standoff and fuel transportation concerns continuing, authorities face the challenge of preventing the dispute from causing further disruption to essential supplies and interstate movement.