The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has triggered concerns over energy security in Madhya Pradesh’s capital, leading to a surge of panic buying at fuel stations. Amid global fears of crude oil supply disruptions, reports of potential fuel shortages circulated rapidly across Bhopal late Wednesday night, causing long queues at several petrol pumps. By approximately 1:30 am, a large number of two-wheelers, four-wheelers, and auto-rickshaws crowded stations in areas such as Berasia Road, Karond Mandi Road, 80 Feet Road, and Housing Board. The rush was fuelled by local rumors that two to three stations had run dry, prompting residents to attempt to top up their tanks unnecessarily. Addressing the situation, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Govind Singh Rajput urged the public not to succumb to unverified information. The Minister clarified that certain elements were attempting to create confusion and confirmed that the state has an ample supply of diesel, petrol, and domestic gas (LPG). He advised citizens to rely solely on official communications and avoid panic stocking.

 

According to Food Controller Chandrabhan Singh Jadaun, the city currently holds approximately 58.8 crore litres of petrol and diesel. “This stock is sufficient to meet the city’s requirements for the next two and a half to three months,” Jadaun stated. He further noted that the Bhauri depots of Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are fully operational, ensuring a steady supply to the city’s 192 petrol pumps. The Madhya Pradesh Petrol Pump Owners’ Association has also dismissed claims of a crisis. The association explained that the temporary disruption observed at approximately 5% of the state’s pumps was not due to a lack of fuel, but rather minor technical issues related to advance payment systems. Official statement “There is a consistent and sufficient availability of diesel, petrol, and domestic gas in Bhopal district. I urge citizens not to pay heed to rumours. There is absolutely no need for panic or unnecessary purchases.” - Kaushalendra Vikram Singh, Collector, Bhopal.