Patna: Crowds gathered at petrol pumps in parts of Bihar on Thursday after rumours linking the ongoing conflict in Iran and the wider Middle East to a possible fuel shortage triggered panic buying. Residents in districts such as Purnia and Begusarai rushed to refill their vehicles and store petrol and diesel in drums and plastic containers amid fears of rising prices or supply disruptions.
In Purnia, long queues of vehicles were reported at petrol pumps from early morning. Similar scenes were seen in several parts of the district, where pump operators struggled to manage the sudden surge in demand. In some cases, arguments broke out between customers and staff as people attempted to secure fuel before supplies ran low.
Petrol pumps in areas including Mahendrapur, Andeli, Parmanandpur, Manjheli and Diwangunj in Purnia East block witnessed particularly heavy footfall. Many residents filled their vehicle tanks and carried additional fuel in containers, fearing a possible shortage. Some outlets reportedly ran out of petrol by midday as demand surged.
The rush appears to have been triggered by rumours circulating on social media on Wednesday night claiming that the war in Gulf countries could disrupt global oil supply. The claims spread quickly, leading to widespread concern and prompting residents to rush to petrol pumps on Thursday morning.
In several areas such as Rauta, Amour and parts of the Baisa region, the situation became chaotic as large crowds gathered to purchase fuel. Police were called to some petrol pumps to maintain order. Many of those buying fuel were farmers and vehicle owners who feared that a prolonged conflict could push up fuel prices.
A similar trend was reported in Begusarai, where petrol pump operators said sales rose sharply from Thursday afternoon. Diesel consumers, especially those with heavy fuel requirements, began stockpiling large quantities. A pump operator in Barauni said fuel sales usually drop around the Holi festival, but this year demand remained steady due to the rumours.
Authorities, however, have dismissed fears of an immediate fuel shortage. Officials said the ongoing conflict has not had any direct impact on fuel availability in India and urged people not to believe unverified claims circulating online.
Sources in the central government also said there is currently no plan to reduce petroleum stocks, noting that oil companies maintain sufficient reserves. Representatives from major oil firms said that while a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could eventually influence global fuel prices, there has been no disruption to supply chains so far.
Petrol pump owners reported that some large contractors had begun placing bulk orders for diesel, prompting them to request additional tanker deliveries. However, officials from marketing terminals of Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited said operations remain normal.
Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored but emphasised that rumours about an immediate shortage of petrol and diesel are unfounded. For now, fuel supply across the region remains stable.
