Panic Buying Over Fuel Shortage Rumors Triggers Emergency Measures in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur witnessed a third consecutive day of long queues at petrol pumps on Thursday, driven by social media rumors of a fuel shortage and an imminent price hike. The panic buying forced the East Singhbhum district administration to launch emergency interventions to restore public order.
East Singhbhum Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan and Senior Superintendent of Police Piyush Pandey convened an emergency meeting with oil company executives and fuel pump operators. “There is absolutely no shortage of petrol or diesel supply in the district. Panic buying, driven by social media rumors, is causing a pandemonium-like situation,” Ranjan stated.
The administration issued directives to fuel stations to install public address systems to regularly broadcast actual fuel availability. “Operators and administrative bodies have been asked to use digital platforms to counter rumors with verified data,” the DC added. Oil companies were also instructed to ensure uninterrupted supply deliveries and maintain additional buffer stocks.
SSP Pandey announced a ban on selling fuel in loose containers or jerrycans to prevent hoarding. Meanwhile, in Ranchi, DC Manjunath Bhajantri convened a similar meeting with oil companies and pump representatives on Thursday night. “The administration is closely monitoring the situation,” he said, appealing to the public to “fill fuel only as per actual needs.” He confirmed directing oil company officials to maintain smooth supply in the district.
Representatives of oil companies ruled out any fuel shortage. Despite assurances, motorists—including factory workers, auto-rickshaw drivers, and corporate employees—flooded fuel stations from early hours, leading to scuffles, line-jumping, and heated arguments.
The authorities continue to urge calm and emphasize that verified information will be disseminated through official channels to prevent such panic in the future.
