How it unfolded
Just before the recent surge in demand, the situation in Indore, India, appeared stable. However, rumors of a petrol shortage began to circulate, triggering a wave of panic among motorists.
On March 25, 2023, petrol and diesel prices remained unchanged in New Delhi, with petrol priced at ₹94.77 per litre and diesel at ₹87.67 per litre. Despite the stability in prices, the whispers of potential shortages created a frenzy.
As panic buying took hold, district administrations quickly stepped in to reassure citizens that there was no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas. M L Maru, the district supply controller, emphasized, “There is sufficient stock available and petrol pumps will continue to receive supplies.” This statement aimed to quell the rising anxiety among the public.
However, the situation escalated as some petrol pumps in Indore faced short-term dry-outs due to the sudden rush of customers and delayed tanker arrivals. Rajendra Wasu, president of the Indore petrol dealers’ association, noted, “There was some delay in supply from a depot of one oil company which created panic in the evening. But there is no shortage of fuel.”
In Madhya Pradesh, there are approximately 5,500 fuel stations, with about 275 located in Indore district. Daily consumption in the district is estimated at around 10 lakh litres of petrol and about 15 lakh litres of diesel. This high demand only added to the urgency felt by motorists.
Ujjain, a nearby city, has around 150 petrol pumps with adequate stocks, including about 16,000 KL of petrol and 25,000 KL of diesel. Despite the availability of fuel, the panic buying in Indore led many to rush to fill their tanks. Rohit Sharma, a motorist, shared, “I saw messages saying petrol pumps might run dry, so I came to fill fuel.”
As the dust settles, officials continue to assure the public that there is no fuel shortage. Anjali Jain, a commuter, remarked, “Everyone suddenly came to fill petrol because of the rumours.” The situation highlights the impact of misinformation and the importance of clear communication in times of uncertainty.
With oil refineries operating at high capacity and adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available, the government has reassured that there is no shortage of essential fuels across the country. As of now, the situation appears to be stabilizing, but the recent events serve as a reminder of how quickly panic can spread in the face of uncertainty.
