Panic buying of petrol and LPG gripped parts of Karnataka despite officials assuring adequate supply. Long queues formed at fuel stations as rumours spread, prompting authorities to warn against hoarding and misinformation while maintaining that stocks remain sufficient.
Panic Buying Triggers Long Queues for Fuel in Karnataka (Image Source: Internet)
Belagavi: In several cities across Karnataka, particularly Belagavi and Davangere, residents began panic-buying following rumors of shortages in petrol and cooking gas. Long queues were observed at petrol pumps, even as officials categorically stated that there was absolutely no shortage of any kind, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
Petrol pumps in areas such as Belagavi, Bailhongal, Hukkeri, and Gokak witnessed massive crowds. Although the rush subsided slightly on the third day compared to the first two, a sense of apprehension still lingers among the public.
In Belagavi, an altercation even broke out between two youths over refueling their vehicles, leading to their subsequent arrest by the police.
Officials in Davangere clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas within the district. Deputy Commissioner G.M. Gangadharaswamy stated that all essential fuels are available in sufficient quantities and urged the public not to panic.
He further noted that thousands of gas cylinders are being delivered daily across the district, and the supply chain remains completely normal.
Initially, the ongoing conflict in West Asia had caused minor disruptions in the supply of commercial gas cylinders. However, this issue has now been fully resolved, and ample quantities of gas and fuel are available in the market.
According to officials, bookings for gas cylinders have suddenly surged fivefold. This clearly indicates that people have begun hoarding supplies due to the prevailing rumors.
The district is home to 220 petrol pumps, all of which currently hold adequate fuel stocks. Additionally, the supply of LPG—used primarily in auto-rickshaws—has also resumed.
The administration has issued a stern warning that strict action will be taken against individuals spreading rumors on social media platforms.
Furthermore, petrol pumps have been instructed not to dispense petrol into cans or containers in order to prevent people from hoarding fuel unnecessarily.
Officials conducted raids at several locations to crack down on the misuse of domestic gas cylinders for commercial purposes. 90 cylinders being used in hotels and shops were seized.
Additionally, action was taken against a center where gas was being dispensed from domestic cylinders into auto-rickshaws.
The entire episode makes it clear that the real problem is not a fuel shortage, but rather the panic fueled by rumors. The administration is continuously appealing to the public to remain calm and refrain from panic buying.
