Fuel frenzy in Gujarat: Thousands rush to petrol pumps across cities amid shortage rumours

AHMEDABAD/ RAJKOT/ SURAT/ VADODARA: Rumours of a fuel shortage sent thousands of motorists scrambling to petrol pumps across the city on Monday evening, creating long queues, traffic snarls, and frayed tempers.

While chaotic scenes played out at pumps in Shivranjani, SG Highway, Bodakdev, Thaltej, Gulbai Tekra, and Paldi, the frenzy masked a more complex fuel distribution disruption playing out across Gujarat, rooted in a convergence of operational shifts and replenishment gaps.




Dealers and officials said that there was no shortage of fuel while the Gujarat govt urged citizens to steer clear of rumours, reassuring them that the state had sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel and therefore there was absolutely no need to panic.

"At one point, families were calling relatives, asking them to rush and refill tanks," said a dealer, describing how demand spiked sharply within hours. Several pumps imposed temporary rationing, while others ran dry before fresh supplies arrived. Staff used ropes and barricades to manage crowds, leading to arguments as motorists attempted to jump queues. Santosh Solanki, a pharma sector professional, said, "I went to a petrol pump on SP Ring Road. There was rationing, with a Rs 200 cap for two-wheelers."

Dealers pointed to recent operational changes as a key trigger. Padmajay Rathod, owner of Sainik Seva Services near Shivranjani, said oil companies had discontinued the earlier five-day revolving credit system. "Most pumps maintain about three days of stock. Without credit, some could not replenish in time, and panic buying worsened the situation," he said.

Sanjay Dantani, a Bodakdev pump manager, added that advance payments and weekend gaps disrupted replenishment cycles. "Our last stock came on Friday. By Monday morning, inventory dried up before fresh supply arrived," he said. Another dealer near SG Highway said missed advance payments over the weekend left some pumps without Monday deliveries, triggering closures that fuelled rumours and further demand.

The ripple effects were felt across the state. Mehul Patel, president of the Federation of Gujarat Petroleum Dealers Association (FGPDA), said, "Earlier, dealers would pay after receiving fuel deliveries. Now, payments have to be made in advance as companies require liquidity. This shift has caused some delays in supply, but the situation is normal at present, and there is no need for panic."

Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil) on Monday assured that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available across Gujarat, with supplies to retail outlets continuing smoothly.