Fuel Panic Grips Odisha Amid Long Queues at Petrol Pumps, Government Denies Oil Crisis

State Witnesses Rush at Petrol Pumps

Panic buying and long queues were witnessed across several parts of Odisha amid fears of a fuel shortage in the state. From Bhubaneswar to Baripada, Balangir, Ganjam, Rourkela, Balasore, Asika and Kalahandi, people were seen lining up outside petrol pumps to purchase petrol and diesel.

In several places, petrol pumps reportedly ran out of stock, creating anxiety among vehicle owners and commuters. At prominent locations such as Kalpana Square in Bhubaneswar, some fuel stations remained closed while others witnessed heavy rush throughout the day.

In Cuttack, long queues stretching nearly half a kilometre were seen outside fuel stations as people rushed to refill their vehicles fearing further shortages.

Several Petrol Pumps Reportedly Run Out of Fuel

The situation appeared more serious in Balangir district where more than 15 petrol pumps reportedly displayed “No Stock” boards, forcing many motorists to return disappointed.

Reports also suggested that vehicle owners in different districts were being informally restricted in the quantity of fuel they could purchase due to limited availability.

Fishermen heading to the sea were also seen waiting in long lines with jerry cans to collect fuel for their fishing operations.

Artificial Shortage Created Due to Panic Buying

Consumers alleged that panic buying by people purchasing fuel beyond their actual requirement has created an artificial shortage in many areas.

In some towns including Bhanjanagar, allegations of black marketing also surfaced during the crisis. Residents claimed that a few unscrupulous traders were trying to take advantage of the panic situation.

Government Says There is No Fuel Shortage

Amid growing concerns, Odisha Supply Secretary Sanjay Singh clarified that there is no fuel crisis in the state and urged people not to believe rumours.

He said the government is reviewing the situation daily and only around 20 to 22 petrol pumps were found facing temporary shortage issues.

“There is sufficient fuel stock available in Odisha. People should not panic or believe rumours,” he stated.

The Supply Secretary also warned that strict action would be taken against black marketing or illegal hoarding of fuel.

Dealers’ Association Assures Adequate Stock

Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association Secretary Sanjay Lath also appealed to the public not to panic.

According to him, Odisha currently has nearly 15 days of fuel stock, while India overall has petroleum reserves sufficient for at least two months.

He advised consumers to avoid unnecessary fuel purchases as the supply chain remains operational.

Private Bus Services Hit by Fuel Supply Problems

The fuel-related panic has also started affecting private bus operations across the state. The Odisha private bus owners’ association claimed that nearly 2,000 buses out of around 14,000 private buses have already stopped operating due to fuel supply issues.

Bus operators alleged that buses from rural and remote areas are unable to operate regularly because diesel is not easily available at petrol pumps.

Debendra Sahu warned that if the situation continues for another five to six days, bus services across Odisha could face major disruption.

He urged the government to ensure special fuel arrangements for public transport vehicles to prevent further inconvenience to passengers.

Public Asked Not to Believe Rumours

Even as panic continues in several districts, the state government and fuel dealers have repeatedly assured that Odisha has adequate fuel reserves and there is no reason for public concern.

Authorities have appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying and cooperate with the administration to ensure smooth fuel distribution across the state.