Despite repeated assurances from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant that Goa has ample fuel and LPG stocks with more supplies incoming, two-wheeler riders in Panjim triggered widespread panic buying Wednesday afternoon, forming serpentine queues at city petrol pumps. Videos captured the chaotic rush, with riders desperate to fill up amid rumours of shortages tied to global disruptions.
The frenzy extended nationwide, with viral clips from Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh showing people hoarding petrol and diesel in unconventional containers like cookers, kitchen jars, milk cans, water tankers, buckets, and barrels. Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar urged calm, confirming no shortages and smooth supplies while warning against rumour-mongering.
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Major oil companies dismissed fears: Bharat Petroleum declared “rumours of petrol and diesel shortages completely unfounded,” emphasising ample reserves, normal supply chains, and stocks of petrol, diesel, and ATF. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas noted increased domestic LPG production despite geopolitical pressures, with no distributorship dry-outs reported.
Fuel retail outlets remain fully operational nationwide, though panic-driven sales spiked in pockets. Authorities reiterated no actual scarcity exists, appealing for responsible behaviour to prevent artificial disruptions and congestion.
