Goa Fuel Dealers Issue Calm Advisory Amid Panic Buying Frenzy
As panic buying of petrol entered its third consecutive day across Goa, the Goa Petrol Dealers Association has issued a strong public advisory urging citizens to remain calm and composed. The association has categorically labeled rumors of an impending fuel shortage as "false and misleading," seeking to quell public anxiety.
Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Public Concern
The advisory comes against a backdrop of heightened public concern, largely stemming from ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the conflict in West Asia. Association president Narahar Thakur reported that fuel stations across Goa, as well as in other parts of the country, have witnessed a dramatic spike in sales. Consumer demand has surged to nearly 2.5 to 3 times the normal volume since Tuesday evening, as worried individuals rushed to fill their vehicle tanks.
"This unprecedented panic buying has unfortunately led to temporary stock exhaustion at several retail outlets," the association stated in its communication. However, officials were quick to clarify that this localized depletion is not due to any actual disruption in the fuel supply chain itself.
Stable Supply from Major Oil Companies Assured
President Thakur provided explicit reassurances regarding fuel availability. He confirmed that there is no genuine shortage of petrol or diesel in the state. Supplies from all major public sector oil marketing companies—including Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL)—remain stable and uninterrupted.
"Adequate stock is readily available at our terminals, and the entire supply chain is functioning absolutely normally," Thakur emphasized, urging the public to trust the system.
Serious Safety Warnings Issued
Beyond addressing supply concerns, the association raised critical safety alarms. It sternly warned citizens against the dangerous practice of storing fuel in makeshift containers. Carrying petrol or diesel in cans or other unauthorized vessels is a direct violation of the stringent safety norms established by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO).
The association highlighted that improper storage of highly flammable fuels poses severe risks, including the potential for catastrophic fire accidents and explosions, endangering lives and property.
Official Advisory and Government Assurance
The Goa Petrol Dealers Association has issued a clear, four-point advisory to the public:
- Avoid panic buying and purchase fuel only as per your genuine daily needs.
- Refrain completely from storing petrol or diesel in any containers at home or in vehicles.
- Do not spread or believe unverified information and rumors circulating on social media or through word of mouth.
- Remain calm and trust the official communications from fuel suppliers and government authorities.
Echoing this sentiment, the state's Department of Civil Supplies also issued an official statement on Thursday. It confirmed, "There is sufficient and regular supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG available at oil terminals across the state." The department assured citizens that there is no supply disruption and that the situation is being closely monitored at the retail outlet, district, state, and national levels.
"Therefore, there is no need for fear regarding the availability of petrol and diesel. Supply will continue smoothly without any disruption," the department's statement concluded, reinforcing the call for public calm and rational behavior.
