Hubballi Officials Confirm Ample Fuel Reserves Amid Regional Tensions
In response to growing public anxiety triggered by the escalating Middle East conflict, officials in Hubballi conducted thorough inspections and issued firm reassurances regarding local fuel availability. Joint director of the food and civil supplies department, Vinodkumar Heggalgi, personally visited an Indian Oil petrol station in Deshpande Nagar on Thursday to verify operational smoothness and inventory levels.
Detailed Stock Figures and Daily Sales Data
Addressing media representatives, Heggalgi provided precise statistics to dispel rumors of scarcity. The district currently maintains a robust reserve of 1,115 kilolitres of petrol and 1,735 kilolitres of diesel, distributed across 192 petrol bunks operated by Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and 12 private entities.
"We have enough stock of petrol and diesel to comfortably last for five more days," Heggalgi emphasized. He noted that daily sales have increased due to public apprehension, with current figures reaching 370 KL of petrol and 582 KL of diesel, compared to pre-crisis averages of 260 KL and 450 KL respectively.
Law Enforcement and Administrative Coordination
Dharwad district superintendent of police Gunjan Arya corroborated the supply stability, observing unusual commotion at various stations but confirming no actual shortages. "The public should not pay attention to baseless rumors," Arya stated, adding that all stations are operating normally and meeting customer demand without restriction.
Arya issued a stern warning against hoarding, which could create artificial scarcity. Legal action will be pursued against anyone found stockpiling fuel unnecessarily, as per relevant regulations. The district administration convened a meeting with national petroleum company officials, all of whom affirmed adequate fuel quantities in the region.
Safety Regulations and Public Advisory
Highlighting safety concerns, SP Arya reiterated the strict prohibition under the Petroleum Act 1934 and Petroleum Rules 2002 against selling petrol in plastic bottles, due to severe fire hazards. All petrol pump owners in Dharwad district have been formally advised to comply, with violations subject to legal penalties.
Officials stressed that daily replenishments from storage depots in Belagavi and Rayapur, Dharwad, ensure continuous supply chains. Citizens are urged to avoid panic-buying and trust the verified data showing sufficient reserves, thereby preventing self-inflicted shortages and maintaining public order.
