AGARTALA, March 3: Long queues were witnessed at several petrol pumps across Agartala since Monday night amid fears of a possible fuel shortage triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The rush followed speculation that the war could disrupt petroleum supplies and lead to an oil crisis.
Responding to the panic, Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday issued an official statement assuring the public that stocks of petroleum products and essential commodities in the state are sufficient.
Addressing the media after a meeting with office-bearers of merchant associations and petrol pump owners, Chowdhury said the government had taken note of apprehensions regarding a potential disruption in fuel supplies. “We have noticed that a section of people resorted to buying sprees, especially petroleum products, with a perception that a crisis might occur due to the war in the Middle East. But the perception is totally wrong. We have enough stock of essentials, including petroleum,” he said.
The minister said discussions were also held with officials of Indian Oil Corporation, who assured the state government that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available. “For the next one month, we have more than sufficient stock,” he added.
Chowdhury noted that shortages usually arise only when rail or road connectivity is disrupted, and said current weather conditions were favourable. He urged people to avoid unnecessary purchases and refrain from spreading rumours, warning that panic buying could create artificial scarcity.
The Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department is monitoring supply and pricing, he said, adding that enforcement drives would be launched to prevent black marketing and abnormal price rise.
