Lucknow, 26 March. Rumors spread on social media regarding shortage of petrol and diesel in many districts of Uttar Pradesh suddenly created an atmosphere of chaos. Long queues were seen at petrol pumps in Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar and Balrampur and Deoria, ‘out of stock’ boards were put up at many places and fuel was sold in limited quantities. However, the administration and oil companies have clarified that there is no real shortage of petrol and diesel in the state and the supply is completely normal.
According to officials, due to misleading news spread on social media, people started filling more petrol and diesel than required, which created temporary pressure on some pumps. At many places, drivers started lining up as early as 5 a.m. and some people returned without fuel. Meanwhile, petrol pump operators said that oil companies have recently abolished the credit system and implemented advance payment system. Now dealers have to make payment first, only then they can pick up the fuel. Earlier they could take stock and pay later, which left more reserves at the pumps.
Oil companies say that this step is financially necessary due to the increase in crude oil prices in the international market. Considering the situation, the local administration deployed police at sensitive petrol pumps and took crowd control measures. To stop hoarding of petrol and diesel, sale of petrol in cans was immediately banned. People were appealed not to pay attention to rumors and buy fuel only as per requirement.
According to the District Supply Officer of Ayodhya, about 16 lakh liters of diesel and 10 lakh liters of petrol were available in the district on Wednesday morning, but due to sudden increase in demand, many pumps ran out of stock. Under normal circumstances, it takes 8-10 hours to restore the supply. Ghazipur District Supply Officer Anant Pratap Singh said that everything is normal in the district. There is no shortage of diesel, petrol and gas stock. Those spreading rumors are being monitored.
The administration is completely alert. The situation remains normal in the capital Lucknow also. There are neither long queues nor any kind of shortage at petrol pumps. Pump operators said that the supply is regular and there is no problem. Uttar Pradesh Petroleum Dealers Association and local organizations clarified that this situation has arisen only due to rumor and panic. Officials have appealed to people to buy fuel responsibly and not believe in any kind of rumour.
There is no real shortage of petrol and diesel in the state. Rumors and excessive buying created a temporary problem, which the administration and companies are controlling together. According to oil companies, about 20-22 days of fuel reserves are available in the state. There is stock available for about 5 days at retail pumps and 16-17 days in depots.
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