Panic Fuel Buying Grips Kolkata Amid Rumors of Shortage and Price Hike
Fuel stations in parts of Kolkata and Howrah experienced unusually long queues during evening peak hours this week, as motorists rushed to fill their tanks amid widespread rumors of an impending petrol shortage or a steep price hike. The surge in demand led to serpentine lines and waiting times stretching beyond an hour at several outlets, creating significant disruptions during the evening commute.
Sporadic Panic Buying During Peak Hours
While the rush was not uniform across all stations, dealers reported sporadic bouts of panic buying, particularly during the evening hours when people were heading home. At numerous outlets, motorists insisted on "tank-full" refills, exacerbating the queues and causing delays. A petroleum dealer operating in the northern outskirts of Kolkata and in Howrah noted that this pattern has become noticeable over the past few evenings, with long queues forming suddenly during peak times.
"During peak hours, long queues suddenly start forming as most motorists insist on filling their tanks completely. It seems to be driven by rumors. We have been seeing this almost every evening," the dealer explained, highlighting the persistent nature of the issue.
Official Assurances Amid Social Media Rumors
Despite the panic, oil marketing companies (OMCs) have repeatedly assured the public that there is no disruption in fuel supply and that adequate stocks are available. Arun Singhania, president of the West Bengal Petroleum Dealers' Association, emphasized that the overall situation remains stable, with no evidence of widespread panic buying.
"Overall, there was no panic buying. There might be a few aberrations at some pumps, but consumers showed maturity. People understand there is no reason to panic because we have adequate stock," Singhania stated, urging calm among motorists.
Motorists React to Unverified Messages
However, some motorists admitted to topping up their tanks after encountering unverified messages on social media. Shankar Ghosh, a motorist from Bantra who waited nearly 90 minutes to buy petrol at the Howrah Maidan fuel station on Wednesday evening, shared that he received a message warning of sharp price hikes due to supply constraints.
"Many people in the queue were talking about the same message," Ghosh said, illustrating how social media rumors fueled the rush. Officials confirmed that the brief surge at fuel pumps was likely triggered by these circulating messages, which claimed a fuel shortage in the country.
Call for Caution and Reliable Information
As the rumors spread, some motorists rushed to refuel as a precaution, creating sudden spikes in demand at specific outlets. OMC officials have urged citizens to avoid relying on unverified messages and to follow only official announcements and credible news sources for accurate information. This incident underscores the impact of misinformation on public behavior and the importance of verifying facts before taking action.
In summary, while Kolkata and Howrah witnessed temporary fuel panic buying driven by social media rumors, authorities maintain that supply is stable and urge motorists to remain calm and informed through trusted channels.
