AHMEDABAD/RAJKOT/SURAT/VADODARA: Rumours of a fuel shortage sparked panic buying across Gujarat on Monday evening, with thousands of motorists rushing to petrol pumps, leading to long queues, traffic snarls, and tense scenes in several cities.
In Ahmedabad, pumps in areas such as Shivranjani, SG Highway, Bodakdev, Thaltej, Gulbai Tekra, and Paldi witnessed heavy crowds. Some outlets imposed temporary rationing, while others ran out of fuel before fresh supplies arrived. Staff deployed ropes and barricades to manage the surge, even as arguments broke out among customers attempting to jump queues.
“At one point, families were calling relatives, asking them to rush and refill tanks,” said a fuel dealer, describing the sudden spike in demand. Santosh Solanki, a professional from the pharma sector, said he encountered a ₹200 cap for two-wheelers at a pump on SP Ring Road.
What triggered the rush
Dealers attributed the disruption to recent operational changes in fuel supply:
- Oil companies have reportedly ended the five-day revolving credit system
- Dealers are now required to make advance payments for fuel deliveries
- Weekend payment gaps led to delayed replenishment at some pumps
Padmajay Rathod, owner of a fuel station near Shivranjani, said most pumps typically maintain around three days of stock. “Without credit, some outlets couldn’t replenish in time, and panic buying made things worse,” he explained.
Another dealer noted that missed advance payments over the weekend resulted in some pumps not receiving Monday deliveries, fuelling rumours and further increasing demand.
Supply remains adequate, say officials
Despite the chaos, industry representatives and oil companies have urged calm.
Mehul Patel, president of the Federation of Gujarat Petroleum Dealers Association (FGPDA), said the situation is stabilising:
“There have been some delays due to the shift to advance payments, but supply is normal at present. There is no need for panic.”
Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) also issued a statement assuring that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available across Gujarat, and that supplies to retail outlets are continuing smoothly.
Bottom line
The rush appears to have been driven more by rumours and temporary supply gaps than an actual shortage. Authorities and dealers have appealed to the public to avoid panic buying as normal supply cycles resume.
