Panic buying triggered by fears of a fuel shortage disrupted normal life across Raipur and several other parts of Chhattisgarh on Friday, with long queues witnessed at petrol pumps and several fuel outlets reportedly running dry for hours. The situation escalated after oil marketing companies increased petrol and diesel prices by around Rs 3 per litre from midnight on Thursday. Despite assurances from authorities that there was no shortage of fuel, residents rushed to refill their vehicles, leading to overcrowding at petrol pumps across State. In Raipur, fuel stations at Tatibandh, Kota, Panchpedi Naka, Agrasen Chowk, Telibandha, Shankar Nagar, Ghadi Chowk and Civil Lines witnessed heavy rush throughout the day. Long queues of two-wheelers, cars and utility vehicles were seen waiting for fuel, with many commuters reportedly spending hours at outlets. Several petrol pumps also imposed restrictions on fuel sales, limiting purchases between Rs 200 and Rs 500 for two-wheelers and Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 for four-wheelers in an attempt to manage supplies. Reports also emerged of temporary shutdowns at some fuel stations, including outlets near Magneto Mall, opposite Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Hospital and near Raipur Railway Station, where pumps reportedly remained closed for six to ten hours.

 

The impact was also visible in rural and semi-urban areas. In Arang and parts of Kumhari and Charoda in Durg district, consumers allegedly purchased petrol in the black market at rates ranging from Rs 130 to Rs 150 per litre. Public transport services were also affected as sections of private buses, autos and cabs reportedly went off the roads amid fears of fuel scarcity. Operators claimed that long waiting periods at fuel stations had started affecting schedules and operations. Senior member of the Chhattisgarh Private Bus Association, Satish Deshlahara, said buses were being forced to wait in long queues for fuel, affecting travel schedules across State. He also claimed that restrictions on fuel supply at some outlets had worsened the situation and warned that prolonged disruption could severely impact bus services. Meanwhile, the State Government, along with officials of the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department and petroleum company representatives, maintained that there was no shortage of petrol or diesel in State. Officials said all fuel depots had adequate stock and appealed to citizens not to indulge in panic buying.

 

However, the assurances failed to calm public anxiety as crowds continued to gather at fuel stations across Raipur and other districts. The ripple effect of rising fuel prices has also hit the hospitality sector. Restaurant owners in Raipur said soaring commercial LPG cylinder prices had forced eateries and coffee shops to increase menu prices by 10 to 15 percent. Restaurant operators claimed that customer footfall had declined sharply over the past week, affecting overall sales and profits.