Reports of panic briefly emerged in parts of Chandigarh on Monday following the display of notices at a local petrol station imposing limits on fuel purchases. The restrictions raised alarms regarding a potential shortage of petrol and diesel against the backdrop of worries over global crude oil supply disruptions, which have been linked to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Notices were prominently displayed at a fuel station located in Sector 17, stipulating purchase ceilings of Rs 500 for two-wheelers and Rs 1,500 for four-wheelers. Around 11 am, images and videos of the notices circulated rapidly on social media, leading to a rush among residents towards nearby petrol stations as fears of dwindling fuel supplies took hold.

In response to the situation, the Chandigarh administration quickly intervened, clarifying that no directive had been issued by the Union Territory administration concerning such restrictions. Officials reassured the public that fuel availability throughout the city remained stable and normal.

Owner of Fuel Station Faces Consequences

Authorities addressed the actions of the fuel station owner, identified as HG Petro Care, for unilaterally posting the restriction notices without official guidance. Following the swift public outcry and the information circulating on social media, the posters were subsequently taken down. The situation prompted concerns that miscommunication could lead to unnecessary panic among residents.

In an interview with India Today, the manager of HG Petro Care explained that the limits were introduced voluntarily due to notably low stock levels. The apprehension was that the station might exhaust its fuel supply before the arrival of the next tanker. “We put up the limit posters as we were short on stock and were concerned about running dry, but it was completely voluntary,” the manager clarified. The statement aimed to dispel any notion that the actions were directed by administrative authorities.

The manager further emphasised that there was “no panic or problem related to fuel for citizens” and highlighted that the temporary limits were merely a precautionary measure to extend the available stock until new supplies could be obtained. After receiving attention on social media, the posters were removed, allowing the station to resume regular operations and meet customer fuel requirements fully.

Other Fuel Stations Operate Without Restrictions

India Today conducted an investigation into other fuel stations across Chandigarh to assess the overall situation. The findings revealed that three additional stations were operating normally, with no imposition of purchase limits and uninterrupted fuel supply. Customers were able to purchase petrol, diesel, and CNG without encountering any restrictions.

The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread, especially regarding essential resources. The swift action taken by the Chandigarh administration aimed to restore public confidence in the availability of fuel and prevent further anxiety among residents.

This episode highlights the importance of clear communication from fuel suppliers and local authorities to mitigate fears of shortages, particularly during times of heightened global tension. Continuous monitoring by the administration may help prevent similar situations in the future and ensure that residents remain informed about any potential disruptions in supply.

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