Recent operational changes in fuel distribution have caused disruptions in Gujarat, leading to widespread panic buying at petrol pumps. Rumors of a fuel shortage spread quickly, prompting families to call relatives to rush and refill their tanks, as described by one dealer.

In response to the growing concern, the Gujarat government has stepped in to assure citizens that there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel available across the state. Mona Khandhar, a government spokesperson, stated, “Sufficient quantities of petrol and diesel are available at all petrol pumps in the state as per requirement.” This assurance aims to quell fears and prevent further panic.

The Indian Oil Corporation has confirmed that supplies to retail outlets are continuing smoothly, countering the narrative of a looming shortage. However, some petrol pumps have imposed temporary rationing due to the increased demand, with a cap of 200 liters for two-wheelers being reported.

Operational changes have led to some disruptions in fuel distribution, with dealers noting that payments for fuel deliveries now need to be made in advance, as explained by Mehul Patel, a local dealer: “Earlier, dealers would pay after receiving fuel deliveries. Now, payments have to be made in advance as companies require liquidity.” This shift has contributed to the challenges faced by petrol pumps in maintaining adequate stock.

Despite these challenges, the Gujarat government has warned that legal action will be taken against dealers who keep their pumps closed while having stock available. Citizens have been urged not to panic or queue at petrol pumps, as adequate fuel is assured to be 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.” This statement is intended to restore public confidence in the fuel supply chain amidst the current turmoil.

As the situation evolves, observers are closely monitoring the impact of these operational changes on fuel availability and distribution. The government and industry stakeholders are working to ensure that disruptions are minimized and that citizens have access to the fuel they need.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these operational changes, but officials are optimistic about stabilizing the situation in the coming days.

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“Dear Valued Customer, claims of shortage in fuel supply circulating on social media are misleading and baseless. There is adequate availability of fuel in the country,” stated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in response to growing concerns over fuel shortages. This assurance comes amid rising panic among consumers following the escalation of tensions in the US-Iran conflict, which has sparked fears regarding energy security in India.

Government Reassures Public

In a parallel statement, Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasized that “There is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers.” The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a stable energy supply, highlighting that India has diversified its crude import sources significantly in recent years, with a notable increase in imports from Russia, which constituted 20 percent of the total crude imports in February 2026.

Measures to Prevent Hoarding

In light of the panic, BPCL and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have implemented a 21-day lock-in period for domestic LPG refills to prevent hoarding. This decision was made after IOC reported receiving approximately 1.5 lakh bookings in Kolkata on a single day, a significant increase from the usual 1 lakh bookings per day. The average daily LPG demand in Bengal stands at 5 lakh cylinders, prompting the need for these measures to stabilize supply.

Cost of LPG Cylinders

The cost of a 14.2-kg household LPG cylinder in Kolkata is currently ₹939, while a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder costs ₹1990. These prices are reflective of the current market conditions and the ongoing adjustments in the energy sector.

Industry Response to Panic Booking

Industry experts, including Bijon Bihari Biswas, have noted that the panic bookings have necessitated the lock-in period to ensure that consumers do not hoard cylinders unnecessarily. K M Thakur also urged customers to refrain from panic booking, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a steady supply chain.

Looking Ahead

As the situation evolves, BPCL and the government remain focused on ensuring that fuel availability is not compromised. The commitment to maintaining energy security is paramount, especially in light of the geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets.

With the assurance from BPCL and the government, consumers can expect a stable supply of Bharat gas. However, the situation will continue to be monitored closely to prevent any potential disruptions in the future.

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