Long queues and purchase limits at fuel stations in Bihar as motorists rush to refill tanks

Patna: Panic buying swept across fuel stations in Bihar on Saturday, triggering chaotic scenes, massive queues, traffic snarls and frayed tempers as anxious motorists rushed to refill their vehicles amid fears of further price hikes and possible supply disruptions. The panic followed a nationwide increase of Rs 3 per litre in petrol and diesel prices after Assembly elections in four states, coupled with escalating tensions in West Asia.

In Patna, fuel stations witnessed an overwhelming rush from early morning. Long queues stretched for hundreds of metres at several outlets as employees struggled to manage the crowd. Petrol in the state capital is now priced at around Rs 108 per litre, while diesel costs nearly Rs 94 per litre. Prices of premium fuel variants and CNG have also increased.

Ajay Kumar, manager of a fuel station at Dak Bungalow Chowk, said panic buying had sharply increased sales. “After panic buying, the sale has increased by 4,000 litres per day. The average sale for a day is around 15,000-16,000 litres per day, but is now increased up to 19,000-20,000 litres per day. Today, the sale was nominal because of the increase in rates,” he said.

Ajay added, “We don’t have any limit on fuel here because this is a company outlet. The dealer outlets have imposed limits because of the shortage of fuel. These people have set a quota — they are giving petrol and diesel in fixed quantity or price.”

At a fuel station near Shagun Mor, authorities displayed notices imposing strict purchase restrictions due to limited fuel availability. Two-wheelers were allowed fuel worth only Rs 300, four-wheelers Rs 1,000 and heavy vehicles Rs 3,000. Sale of petrol and diesel in bottles, gallons and drums was completely banned.

Station operator Dharmendra said the restrictions were imposed following the Prime Minister’s appeal to conserve fuel.

In Danapur, a fuel station remained shut due to fuel shortage, with bamboo barricades placed on the road leading to the outlet.

Though petroleum companies have not issued any official order regarding a full tank ban or fuel rationing, local operators said the restrictions were aimed at preventing panic stockpiling and ensuring fuel availability for all consumers.

Arvind Kumar, another fuel station operator, said, “We don't want people to be fooled by rumours and stockpile more fuel than they need.”

Similar scenes were reported from Darbhanga, Gaya and Kishanganj. In Thakurganj block of Kishanganj district, four of the eight fuel stations were reportedly shut amid the heavy rush. Many residents have started travelling to neighbouring West Bengal to buy cheaper fuel. Petrol in Kishanganj now costs around Rs 110 per litre, while diesel is priced at nearly Rs 96 per litre.

Ravi Prakash, a customer near Gandhi Maidan, said rising fuel prices would ultimately burden common people. “After election, price rise of essential commodities are expected. I think it is the beginning. Common people have to bear the brunt,” he said.