Rumours of a fuel shortage sparked panic buying across several cities in Gujarat, leading to long queues at petrol pumps in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, Rajkot and Devbhumi Dwarka. Several fuel stations even displayed “No Stock” signs, adding to public anxiety.
Why did fuel queues suddenly increase?
The sudden rush at petrol pumps was triggered by fears of supply disruption linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. As rumours spread quickly, residents rushed to refill tanks, creating artificial demand pressure and long waiting lines across major cities.
Is there really a fuel shortage in Gujarat?
Authorities and industry bodies have clarified that there is no major fuel shortage. Officials stated that the situation is largely driven by panic buying and temporary logistical delays rather than an actual supply crisis.
What caused the supply disruption?
Multiple factors contributed to the situation. In Ahmedabad, around 10 petrol pumps faced delays in fuel supply. In Vadodara, reduced availability at private outlets pushed more customers towards government-run pumps, increasing congestion. Officials also pointed to payment delays due to bank holidays as a key reason behind supply interruptions.
Why is Surat facing sharper impact?
Surat witnessed a significant drop in fuel deliveries, with supply falling from three tankers a day to just one or two. Additionally, increased bulk buying by industrial users further strained availability for regular consumers.
What is the situation in other cities?
In Rajkot, similar panic-driven scenes were reported, though dealers maintained that stock levels remain adequate. Meanwhile, Devbhumi Dwarka saw temporary shortages due to heavy tourist inflow over the weekend, which led to rapid depletion at key fuel outlets.
What has the government said?
The Centre has assured that fuel supplies are stable and are being closely monitored. Officials have urged citizens not to panic and to avoid unnecessary bulk buying, emphasizing that the situation is temporary and under control.
What should people do now?
Authorities are advising residents to remain calm and avoid panic refuelling, as such behaviour can worsen temporary disruptions. With supply chains expected to normalize soon, officials have reassured that there is no long-term crisis.
