The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have begun to impact fuel supplies in Chhattisgarh, leading to partial shutdowns of petrol pumps and long queues in major cities such as Raipur, Bilaspur, and parts of Bastar. In Raipur district alone, around 20 petrol pumps remained shut on Thursday after depleting their stock, while nearly 30 others were on the verge of going dry, according to dealers. The situation was mirrored in Bilaspur, where at least four pumps closed down and over a dozen reported no stock conditions, particularly along the Bilaspur–Korba stretch.
Government Response and Meetings
Raipur Collector Gaurav Singh stated that he is holding meetings with petrol pump dealers to address the situation. Similarly, Bilaspur Collector Sanjay Agrawal convened a meeting with oil companies and dealers to streamline supply. Officials in both districts expressed confidence that normalcy would return within 48 hours.
Panic Buying and Long Queues
Fuel stations across Raipur witnessed an unprecedented rush since morning, with long queues reported at Shastri Chowk, Santoshi Nagar, Mekahara, and other busy locations. At several outlets, petrol and diesel stocks were exhausted within hours, forcing temporary closures. In areas like Tikrapara, Bhatagaon, and along Ring Road, pumps that still had stock saw serpentine queues, with vehicles pouring in even from neighboring Durg, Bhilai, and Patan regions where supplies had already dried up. Dealers said demand had surged sharply as consumers rushed to top up tanks amid fears of an impending shortage.
“People are buying more fuel than required due to panic. This has created artificial pressure on supply,” said Akhil Dhakad, president of the Chhattisgarh Petrol Pump Association.
Stock Status and Government Assurance
Officials said Raipur has around 297 petrol pumps, of which 277 still had some stock left, though many were operating under severe pressure. Amid panic buying triggered by rumors of fuel shortage, the state government on Thursday asserted that there is “adequate stock” of petrol and diesel available across the state and appealed to citizens not to indulge in unnecessary hoarding.
Food Secretary Reena Babasaheb Kangale said the fuel supply chain remains normal and oil depots are receiving regular replenishment. She stated that the state currently has 45,474 kilolitres of petrol and 84,654 kilolitres of diesel in stock, against a daily requirement of 3,635 kilolitres and 5,873 kilolitres respectively. According to the government, 2,516 petrol and diesel pumps are operational across Chhattisgarh. On Thursday alone, oil depots received 6,551 kilolitres of petrol and 4,760 kilolitres of diesel, further strengthening availability.
