In recent days, Gujarat has witnessed a wave of panic buying at petrol pumps, fueled by rumors of a potential fuel shortage. This situation has left many residents anxious, with reports of families calling relatives to rush to refill their tanks. The chaos at the pumps has raised concerns about the availability of petrol and diesel in the state.
However, the Gujarat government has stepped in to quell these fears, assuring the public that there is sufficient stock of both petrol and diesel available across all retail outlets. Mona Khandhar, a government spokesperson, emphasized, “Sufficient quantities of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps in the state as per requirement.” This statement aims to reassure citizens amidst the rising tensions.
Adding to the clarity, the Indian Oil Corporation confirmed that supplies to retail outlets are continuing smoothly, despite the operational changes that have recently disrupted fuel distribution. These changes have led to some petrol pumps imposing temporary rationing, particularly for two-wheelers, with a cap of 200 liters per fill-up.
Mehul Patel, a dealer, explained the challenges faced by petrol stations, stating, “Earlier, dealers would pay after receiving fuel deliveries. Now, payments have to be made in advance as companies require liquidity.” This shift in operational protocols has contributed to the disruptions in fuel distribution, causing some dealers to struggle with replenishment cycles.
In response to the situation, the state government has warned that legal action will be taken against dealers who keep their pumps closed despite having adequate stock. This measure aims to ensure that fuel remains accessible to the public and to prevent further panic.
Citizens have been urged not to panic or queue excessively at petrol pumps, as officials maintain that adequate fuel supplies are available. The President of the Petroleum Dealers Association of India reiterated, “There is no fuel shortage in Gujarat and none is expected in the future,” further reinforcing the government’s stance.
As the situation unfolds, observers are closely monitoring the response from both the government and the dealers. The hope is that with continued communication and assurance from officials, the chaos at petrol pumps will subside, restoring normalcy for residents across Gujarat.
