A wave of panic buying swept through Navi Mumbai's Vashi petrol pump as citizens were seen in long queues to fuel their two‑wheelers amid rumours of fuel shortage spread due to the ongoing US‑Iran‑Israel war.As people were seen queuing up, CMO Maharashtra also tweeted, "There is sufficient stock of petrol-diesel available in the state and the supply is regular. Citizens should ignore rumours." Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation, and Hindustan Petroleum, also confirmed on social media that there is no shortage of fuel and urged citizens not to panic and avoid unnecessary purchases.
BPCL took to social media and wrote, "Rumours of a petrol-diesel shortage are completely false. There is sufficient availability of fuel across the country, and the supply is normal. BPCL is ensuring an uninterrupted supply at all locations. Please do not panic and avoid unnecessary purchases."Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) echoed the same sentiments in its communication, assuring customers that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG across the country. Assuring citizens, it wrote, "HPCL remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply through its network."Indian Oil stated, "The 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."
Despite these assurances, panic-driven behaviour has been reported in parts of the country. Cities such as Ahmedabad and Hyderabad witnessed long queues outside petrol pumps, with social media rumours fuelling anxiety among consumers. In Gujarat, including Ahmedabad, Rajkot and Surat, some outlets briefly ran dry, further intensifying speculation around supply disruptions. The concerns are linked to escalating tensions in West Asia, particularly involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Reports suggest disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz - a critical global oil transit route - have added to uncertainty, even though domestic supply in India remains unaffected. Authorities have cautioned that panic buying itself could strain local supply chains and create artificial shortages, urging citizens to rely on official updates.