What is the story about?
India on Wednesday firmly rejected viral claims of a nationwide fuel shortage, even as panic buying triggered long queues and chaotic scenes at petrol pumps across multiple states amid the closure of
Strait of Hormuz and oil disruption due to the escalating West Asia crisis.
State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) issued a public advisory, calling the rumours “completely unfounded” and assuring citizens that fuel reserves are adequate and supply chains are functioning normally.
The company urged people not to rely on misinformation or rush to fuel stations unnecessarily.
Despite these assurances, a surge in demand driven largely by fear, has disrupted normal operations at retail outlets. Officials say the spike is artificial, not due to any actual supply shortage.
In Hyderabad, petrol pumps witnessed heavy rush, with long queues reported from Secunderabad, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Old City, Attapur and Rajendranagar. Traffic congestion built up in areas like SR Nagar, Ameerpet and Panjagutta, forcing police to intervene and calm motorists through public announcements.
The Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association said sales had jumped to nearly three times normal levels, leading to temporary stock exhaustion at several outlets.
“It has come to our notice that due to circulation of false and misleading news regarding a fuel shortage, people are rushing to fuel stations unnecessarily,” the association said, reiterating that supply remains stable.
Across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and Mehsana, petrol pumps saw an unprecedented surge, with demand rising up to ten times usual levels. Fuel stocks meant to last days were exhausted within hours.
In Madhya Pradesh, cities such as Indore, Ujjain, Dewas and Ratlam reported similar panic-driven queues. Authorities clarified that supplies remained intact, though sudden spikes in demand caused temporary shortages at some outlets.
Officials warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation.
In some areas, localised operational issues have compounded the panic. In Maharashtra’s Solapur, long queues were reported at LPG auto-gas stations due to limited infrastructure rather than a broader shortage. Prices also saw a temporary spike, adding to public anxiety.
Experts say such isolated issues are being misrepresented online as evidence of a wider crisis.
Authorities point to viral social media posts using outdated visuals of "No Stock" signs and linking them to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz which is a key energy corridor have further fuelled speculation, despite no immediate impact on India’s fuel supply.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has repeatedly stressed that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG. Refineries are operating at high capacity and buffer stocks remain sufficient.
“Petrol pumps across the country remain fully functional, though panic buying triggered by rumours led to unusually high sales in some areas,” said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the ministry.
The government has also stepped up measures to stabilise the situation, including increasing LPG production, safeguarding CNG and PNG supply for priority sectors, and expanding piped gas connections.
Enforcement agencies have launched crackdowns on hoarding, conducting thousands of raids and registering multiple cases.
State-run Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) issued a public advisory, calling the rumours “completely unfounded” and assuring citizens that fuel reserves are adequate and supply chains are functioning normally.
The company urged people not to rely on misinformation or rush to fuel stations unnecessarily.
Important update for all citizens
Rumors of petrol and diesel shortages are completely unfounded. India has ample fuel reserves and supply chains are running normally.
BPCL is fully operational and committed to uninterrupted fuel supply. Please don't rely on rumors or crowd… pic.twitter.com/9FaOu9Lu1r
— Bharat Petroleum (@BPCLimited) March 25, 2026
Despite these assurances, a surge in demand driven largely by fear, has disrupted normal operations at retail outlets. Officials say the spike is artificial, not due to any actual supply shortage.
Panic buying spreads across cities
In Hyderabad, petrol pumps witnessed heavy rush, with long queues reported from Secunderabad, Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Old City, Attapur and Rajendranagar. Traffic congestion built up in areas like SR Nagar, Ameerpet and Panjagutta, forcing police to intervene and calm motorists through public announcements.
The Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association said sales had jumped to nearly three times normal levels, leading to temporary stock exhaustion at several outlets.
“It has come to our notice that due to circulation of false and misleading news regarding a fuel shortage, people are rushing to fuel stations unnecessarily,” the association said, reiterating that supply remains stable.
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh see similar scenes
Across Gujarat, including Ahmedabad and Mehsana, petrol pumps saw an unprecedented surge, with demand rising up to ten times usual levels. Fuel stocks meant to last days were exhausted within hours.
In Madhya Pradesh, cities such as Indore, Ujjain, Dewas and Ratlam reported similar panic-driven queues. Authorities clarified that supplies remained intact, though sudden spikes in demand caused temporary shortages at some outlets.
Officials warned of strict action against those spreading misinformation.
Local issues add to confusion
In some areas, localised operational issues have compounded the panic. In Maharashtra’s Solapur, long queues were reported at LPG auto-gas stations due to limited infrastructure rather than a broader shortage. Prices also saw a temporary spike, adding to public anxiety.
Experts say such isolated issues are being misrepresented online as evidence of a wider crisis.
What’s driving the panic?
Authorities point to viral social media posts using outdated visuals of "No Stock" signs and linking them to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz which is a key energy corridor have further fuelled speculation, despite no immediate impact on India’s fuel supply.
Government reassures steady supply
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has repeatedly stressed that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG. Refineries are operating at high capacity and buffer stocks remain sufficient.
“Petrol pumps across the country remain fully functional, though panic buying triggered by rumours led to unusually high sales in some areas,” said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the ministry.
The government has also stepped up measures to stabilise the situation, including increasing LPG production, safeguarding CNG and PNG supply for priority sectors, and expanding piped gas connections.
Enforcement agencies have launched crackdowns on hoarding, conducting thousands of raids and registering multiple cases.
