Panic buying of petrol and diesel has been reported across several parts of the country following the spread of unverified rumors regarding fuel prices. The sudden rush to refill tanks has led to an “exceptional” surge in demand, placing temporary strain on retail outlets and leading to reports of fuel shortages in certain regions.
The situation was particularly acute in Andhra Pradesh, where unfounded speculation regarding an imminent price hike triggered a frenzy among motorists. Local reports indicated that hundreds of petrol pumps across several towns ran dry on Sunday as consumers rushed to secure fuel, fearing future scarcity or increased costs.
Government officials have acknowledged the spike in demand, attributing it entirely to misinformation. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, addressed the issue during a press briefing, confirming that the government has tracked an “exceptional growth” in demand for fuels like diesel—ranging between 30 and 33 percent in affected areas. This unprecedented surge is cited as the primary reason why some retail outlets struggled to keep up with the sudden pressure.
However, the government has moved quickly to quell public anxiety, emphasizing that there is no underlying issue with fuel availability. “There is no issue of availability. We have enough stocks,” Sharma stated, urging the public to remain calm and dismiss the rumors.
Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) oil marketing companies have been instructed to ensure that stocks are replenished at all retail outlets to meet consumer needs. Authorities have confirmed that supply chains are robust and that current inventories are more than sufficient to cover the national requirement. The administration is continuing to monitor the situation closely and has assured citizens that fuel distribution remains normal, advising against unnecessary panic purchasing.
