The recent petrol shortage in Ahmedabad has created a wave of panic among residents, leading to long queues at fuel stations across the city. This situation has arisen against a backdrop of misinformation related to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has heightened global concerns about oil supply. As citizens rushed to fill their tanks, the state government has been quick to respond, assuring the public that there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel available in Gujarat.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi took to social media to urge citizens not to panic over rumors of a fuel shortage. “There is enough stock of petrol and diesel available in the state and so people need not do hoarding or panic,” he stated, attempting to quell fears that had gripped the city. His comments were echoed by Sujata Sharma from the Indian Oil Corporation, who confirmed that all petrol pumps are operational and adequate fuel is available at these facilities.
The panic was reportedly exacerbated by a sudden change in payment systems implemented by oil marketing companies, which left many fuel retailers struggling to keep up with demand. Approximately 30-40% of retail outlets in Gujarat are currently facing supply issues due to logistics difficulties. This has led to several petrol pumps in Ahmedabad temporarily shutting down, further fueling the anxiety among residents.
Despite these challenges, the government has reassured the public that India has a 70-day reserve of crude oil, indicating that there is no current shortage of fuel. The price of crude oil has surged from USD 60 to USD 118-120 per barrel due to the conflict in West Asia, which has contributed to the rising costs and concerns about supply. However, fuel retailers have reported a 5% increase in petrol supply and a 10% increase in diesel supply compared to two months ago, suggesting that the situation may stabilize soon.
In light of the ongoing situation, the government is closely monitoring the fuel supply and holding regular review meetings to address any emerging issues. Harsh Sanghavi emphasized, “The government is fully prepared to ensure that petrol and diesel are available at all pumps,” reinforcing the commitment to maintain a steady supply amidst the current crisis.
As misinformation continues to spread, officials have urged the public to remain calm and not pay attention to rumors circulating on social media platforms. “People should not pay attention to rumours being spread through social media or WhatsApp,” Sanghavi cautioned, highlighting the importance of relying on verified information during such critical times.
Looking ahead, observers expect that as the government and oil companies work together to resolve the logistics issues, the supply situation will improve. However, for now, the residents of Ahmedabad are left navigating the uncertainty of fuel availability, caught between the realities of global oil prices and the local panic that has ensued.
