Rush at petrol, diesel pumps, govt says no

Somit.SenMumbai: Mumbai saw an unusual rush at petrol and diesel pumps for two days from Sunday afternoon. Pumpowners across parts of the city said vehicle queues began building up on Sunday evening and continued at many outlets on Monday. The surge followed growing public concern over the impact of the West Asia conflict on fuel supplies andprices.A few motorists said the rush intensified on Sunday after PM Modi appealed to citizens to reduce petrol consumption. “Many consumers appeared to have interpreted it as a sign of imminent rationing or a steep increase in rates,” said a pumpowner.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday assured citizens that crude oil inventories remain stable, refineries areoperating at optimum levels, and there are no fuel shortages across the country. A senior official said govt has taken several effective measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies for consumers. “There have been disruptions in the global energy supply chain. But govt has taken several effective measures and strived to ensure fuel supplies are maintained for the common consumer with minimal inconvenience,” the official said.A petrol pump owner in Central Mumbai said sales rose sharply on Sunday evening. “Our normal Sunday sale is around 8,000 litres, but on May 10 we sold nearly 12,000 litres,” he said. Petrol Dealers Association president Chetan Modi also said there was rush at the pumps on Sunday.At several fuel stations late Sunday evening, attendants reported longer waiting times and heavier-than-normal demand for both petrol and diesel. On Monday, the rush was witnessed at some pumps while it had reduced at some other places by afternoon, said an association member. There is no official announcement on rationing or immediate price revision, said a source from oil marketing company.Ends