Bhubaneswar, May 14: Bhubaneswar witnessed scenes of panic buying on Thursday as anxious motorists crowded petrol pumps across the city amid rumours of a possible fuel shortage linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict and concerns over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long queues were seen at several fuel stations as people rushed to stock up on petrol and diesel.

However, Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association General Secretary Sanjay Lath strongly dismissed the rumours and assured citizens that there is no shortage of fuel in the capital city.

Speaking to the media, Lath said all major petrol pumps in Bhubaneswar currently have adequate stocks of petrol and diesel. He added that even smaller outlets had already procured sufficient fuel supplies in advance from oil companies.

He admitted that a few petrol pumps temporarily ran out of stock due to an unexpected surge in demand caused by panic buying. “People rushed to refill their vehicles fearing a shortage, which led to rapid depletion of fuel at some outlets. But the situation is now under control,” he said.

Lath further explained that petrol and diesel sales have risen sharply over the past three days, reportedly by nearly 50 percent, after many people misinterpreted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation as a sign of an impending crisis.

Out of 41 petrol pumps in Bhubaneswar, only three to four outlets briefly faced shortages, he said, adding that fresh supplies are arriving regularly. He urged the public not to spread or believe rumours and assured that there is no restriction on fuel purchases anywhere in the city.

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