Long queues were reported outside petrol pumps across Odisha amid rumours of a fuel shortage, triggering panic buying in several cities. The rush intensified after petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre.
According to a report by The Times of India, massive queues were seen at fuel stations in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and other parts of the state, with people waiting for hours in scorching heat. In some areas, queues reportedly began forming from Thursday midnight itself.
Some commuters alleged that petrol pumps were allowing two-wheelers to refill fuel worth only Rs 200 at a time.
The panic was not limited to urban centres. As per the Times of India, boat operators in tourist hubs such as Puri and Chilika Lake said they were struggling to procure diesel in containers, while farmers complained about shortages affecting irrigation pump sets during a crucial farming period.
In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, hundreds of motorists reportedly lined up outside petrol pumps even before outlets opened, fearing supply disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions in West Asia. Due to the rush, severe traffic congestion were seen on major roads, including Jaydev Vihar-Nandan Kanan Road and Janpath in Bhubaneswar, as well as Link Road in Cuttack. Police personnel were deployed at multiple locations to regulate traffic and manage crowds, reported TOI.
Meanwhile, oil companies have assured the people that there was no shortage of fuel in the state. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd chief general manager Kamal Sheel said fuel stocks for 10 to 13 days were available at supply points across Odisha. “There is no shortage of fuel anywhere in the state. There is absolutely no need to panic,” he said.
However, several petrol pumps reportedly either ran dry temporarily or witnessed unusually long waiting lines. Many commuters claimed filling station operators had started restricting the quantity of fuel being dispensed per vehicle.
“I have been standing here since 6am. The pump opened late and within minutes, the queue stretched for over a kilometre. People are scared about supply disruptions. Despite the fuel price hike, the queues are only getting longer,” commuter Saty Das told TOI near Rasulgarh.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Cuttack, where traffic jams reportedly worsened near fuel stations. “I have never seen this kind of rush at petrol pumps,” local shopkeeper Ajay Das was quoted as saying.
