The wider picture
In recent days, Ahmedabad has witnessed long queues at fuel stations as residents rushed to fill their tanks amid fears of a petrol shortage. This panic buying was reportedly fueled by misinformation related to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has raised global concerns about oil supply. As a result, many citizens began hoarding fuel, leading to significant congestion at petrol pumps across the city.
In response to the situation, the state government has reassured the public that there is enough stock of petrol and diesel available in Gujarat. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized, “There is enough stock of petrol and diesel available in the state and so people need not do hoarding or panic.” His statements aimed to quell fears and encourage citizens to remain calm amidst the chaos.
Despite the government’s assurances, the panic was exacerbated by a sudden change in payment systems implemented by oil marketing companies, which caught many fuel retailers off guard. Approximately 30-40% of retail outlets in Gujarat are currently facing supply issues due to these logistics difficulties. However, the Indian Oil Corporation has confirmed that adequate stock of petrol and diesel is indeed available in the state.
Fuel retailers have also reported that India maintains a 70-day reserve of crude oil, indicating that there is no actual shortage of fuel. Sujata Sharma, a spokesperson for the Indian Oil Corporation, stated, “These are not dry outs. We have checked it from the field and all petrol pumps are working normally and adequate fuel is available at all such facilities.” This statement aims to reassure the public that the fuel supply chain remains intact.
The situation has been further complicated by rising global oil prices, which have surged from USD 60 to USD 118-120 per barrel due to the conflict in West Asia. This increase has raised concerns about potential future shortages, prompting some consumers to act hastily. The advance payment policy for fuel dealers was also implemented due to refining losses faced by oil marketing companies, adding to the confusion among consumers.
Officials are closely monitoring the fuel supply situation and holding regular review meetings to address any emerging issues. Harsh Sanghavi reiterated, “The government is fully prepared to ensure that petrol and diesel are available at all pumps,” urging citizens to refrain from paying attention to rumors being spread through social media or WhatsApp.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and ensure that fuel supplies remain stable. While the panic buying has caused temporary disruptions, officials remain optimistic that the situation will stabilize soon. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of the current global oil crisis on local fuel supplies.
