Buxar: Long queues were seen outside petrol pumps in Bihar’s Ara, Buxar and Bhojpur districts on Tuesday morning as concerns over a possible shortage of petrol and diesel spread among residents. People arrived early in the day with motorcycles, cars and even bottles and containers to collect fuel. In many places, pumps were either closed or had limited stock, forcing people to move from one station to another in search of petrol and diesel. The sight of locked gates at some fuel stations added to the confusion and fear among the public.
Petrol pump operators said the problem had worsened because of irregular fuel supply from depots. They explained that they were willing to serve customers, but delayed deliveries had left them with little or no stock. As crowds gathered from early morning, lines of vehicles stretched on to nearby roads, causing traffic jams and inconvenience to commuters. Many people stood in line for hours under the sun, only to return home empty-handed after supplies ran out.
The situation has become especially worrying for families hosting weddings and other social functions. With the wedding season currently underway, many households are struggling to arrange vehicles for wedding processions, transport guests and carry supplies for ceremonies. Families said the lack of fuel has made preparations stressful and expensive, with some being forced to postpone travel plans or search for vehicles in other areas.
The crisis appears to be more serious in rural areas than in towns and cities. Villagers said petrol pumps near their homes were locked, forcing them to travel several kilometres to find open stations. Even after travelling long distances, many were unable to get fuel because of long queues and low stock. This has caused major problems for farmers, daily wage workers and people who depend on vehicles for their livelihood.
District authorities have denied that there is any official shortage of petrol or diesel in Bihar. According to the administration, rumours of a shortage led people to rush to petrol pumps and buy fuel in panic, creating the current situation. Officials have appealed to the public not to panic and to avoid unnecessary crowding at fuel stations. Police personnel have been deployed in several places to control crowds and maintain law and order while supply is being restored.
