Fuel shortage rumours spark panic buying at Tiruchi petrol bunks

Long queues were seen at several petrol bunks across Tiruchi after rumours of a possible fuel shortage spread following escalating tensions in West Asia.

Motorists rushed to refill the tanks, fearing disruptions in crude oil supplies to India if the conflict in the region intensified. Petrol stations in areas such as Tiruchi Junction, Cantonment, Karur Bypass, Gandhi Market, Thuvakudi, and Thillai Nagar reported an unusually high number of customers from late Wednesday night. Many motorists were seen carrying extra containers to store petrol and diesel, leading to temporary congestion around several outlets.

Fuel station operators said that although there has been no official announcement regarding a shortage, panic buying led to a sudden surge in demand. “Our sales today have been almost double the usual level. People are worried about the impact of the war on oil imports,” said a manager at a petrol bunk near the Central Bus Stand.

However, dealers urged the public not to panic, stating that adequate fuel stocks are available. “We have sufficient fuel reserves for about 25 days, and more than 4,500 regular dealers across the State are functioning normally. There is no need for panic buying as it could lead to fuel running dry at petrol stations. Oil marketing companies have revised the payment terms, making advance payment mandatory for dealers to receive consignments, and have regulated the supply of fuel. The price of fuel supplied to industries has increased by about ₹13 to ₹15 per litre over the past two weeks and this could also have an impact on State transport operations,” said G. Ramesh, president, Tiruchi region, Tamil Nadu Petroleum Dealers’ Association.

Autorickshaws and taxis were seen lined up at several petrol bunks, with drivers expressing concern about their livelihoods. “For us, fuel is everything. If the war spreads, there could be a shortage or a price increase, which will affect our income immediately,” said D. Moorthy, an autorickshaw driver.

Meanwhile, social activist H. Ghouse Baig urged the authorities to issue a directive to petrol bunks not to supply petrol or diesel to customers bringing five- or ten-litre cans in order to curb panic hoarding.