Assam Fuel Panic: Social Media Rumors Trigger Widespread Shortage Fears
Guwahati: Unverified rumors circulating on social media platforms sparked a wave of panic buying for petrol and diesel across Assam, leading to depleted stocks at numerous fuel retail outlets. This occurred despite clear government affirmations that there is no actual supply crunch or shortage in the state.
Long Queues and Dry Pumps Amid Panic
Long, anxious queues formed in front of petrol pumps as residents rushed to fill their vehicle tanks, driven by fears of an impending fuel shortage. This surge in panic buying resulted in many petrol pumps running completely dry across various parts of Assam, creating a self-fulfilling crisis of availability.
Government Assurances and Clarifications
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed the situation on Wednesday, firmly stating that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in Assam. He urgently appealed to the public to avoid panic-buying. "There is sufficient availability of petrol, diesel and LPG in Assam. There is no fear of any shortage," he emphasized.
The Chief Minister further clarified that the Government of India had also addressed the situation during an all-party meeting, reiterating that there is no disruption in fuel supply chains across the country. "Even in the all-party meeting, the Centre has clearly stated that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel. I would request people not to rush to fuel stations and not to stock petrol and diesel excessively," Sarma added.
Surplus Production and Supply Chain Security
State Chief Secretary Ravi Kota provided detailed data to counter the rumors, explaining that the combined production of all four refineries in Assam significantly exceeds local demand. He confirmed there are no anticipated bottlenecks in the supply chain, from refinery to retail outlet, and that fuel marketing companies have reported no stock crisis.
"There is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the state. We have checked with the suppliers, including IOCL, BPCL and HPCL. In the state of Assam, the availability of petrol and diesel is quite surplus. Out of total petrol and diesel produced in four refineries in Assam, the state consumes only 27%. In other words, there is a surplus of 73%," Kota stated in a post on his official X handle.
Legal Warnings Against Illegal Fuel Storage
In a stern move, Chief Secretary Kota announced that police will register criminal cases against individuals found purchasing petrol or diesel in loose containers. Such actions will be charged under:
- The 'negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter' provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
- Relevant sections of the Petroleum Act, 1934.
- Relevant sections of the Explosives Act, 1884.
Supporting this directive, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) issued instructions to all retail outlet dealers and staff, strictly prohibiting the dispensing of fuels into loose containers, drums, plastic bottles, or canisters. This practice is illegal under petroleum safety regulations and state directives.
Verification of Stocks and Relaxed Payment Terms
To provide concrete reassurance, Kota reported that in Guwahati alone, the administration verified stocks with all 35 petrol pumps within the city, each confirming they hold adequate fuel. "After review and verification with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), as well as individual petrol and diesel outlets across Assam, including Guwahati city, it has been confirmed that there is adequate stock of petrol and diesel in line with the state’s normal requirements at both OMC depots and retail pumps," he wrote on X.
In a further measure to ease operational pressures, IOCL has relaxed payment terms for retailers. They are now allowed to make payments within three days of purchase, instead of the previous requirement for same-day payment.
