Panic buying hits Hyderabad, Ahmedabad: Long queues seen outside petrol pumps. Watch

Panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG is surging across several Indian cities amid escalating tensions in West Asia. Despite government and oil companies saying that the supply remains stable, viral social media videos show citizens forming massive queues at fuel stations to stock up.People queue in Ahmedabad to fill petrol in their two-wheelers with concerns over potential supply disruptions, but authorities say there are no shortages, amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. (REUTERS)A viral video on X showing cars and two-wheelers swarming a fuel station has sparked concern. Sharing the footage, a user questioned the surge: “People lining up at a petrol pump in India amidst global fuel crisis due to the West Asia war. Is it because of lack of fuel stocks or people are panic hoarding?”Also Read: Government warns against storing fuel in loose container after man fills water jar with fuel in viral videoIn the same thread, the X user shared another video claiming it shows a similar situation in Indore.Reuters, in a tweet, wrote, “Motors in Ahmedabad faced long fuel lines as the US-Israeli war on Iran disrupted energy shipments to India, the world’s third-largest oil importer.”The video shared the news agency shows long queues outside a petrol pump. One customer, in a conversation with the outlet, said that if such a situation continues, he might have to relocate to his hometown. Another individual claimed that people are waiting long hours to get fuel.The same panic buying has been observed at some petrol pumps in Hyderabad, too. There have been reports of long queues of vehicles, especially autos and two-wheelers, outside several petrol stations.Oil companies deny fuel shortage claims:“Dear Customers. There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG across the country. Fuel supplies remain stable, and adequate stocks are available. Customers are advised not to be misled rumours or resort to panic buying. Please continue with normal consumption patterns. HPCL remains committed to ensuring an uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply across its network,” reads a tweet on the official X account of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.Also Read: Fuel stocks adequate nationwide; LPG supply prioritised: CentreSimilarly, a tweet shared on Bharat Petroleum’s official X profile reads, “Important Notice. Rumours of a petrol-diesel shortage are entirely false. Fuel is sufficiently available across the country and supplies are normal. BPCL is ensuring uninterrupted supply at all locations. Please do not panic and avoid unnecessary purchases.”Indian Oil Corp Ltd also said, “There is no shortage of petrol or diesel. Rumours circulating online can create unnecessary concern and disrupt normal supply patterns. IndianOil outlets are well-stocked and fully operational. We urge citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on verified information. Together, we can keep the system running efficiently for everyone.”