Jorhat District Administration Addresses Fuel Supply Concerns, Dismisses Rumors
In a decisive move to counteract widespread public anxiety and prevent unnecessary panic-buying, the Jorhat district administration in Assam issued a firm clarification on Thursday, stating unequivocally that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel within the district. The announcement came during an emergency meeting convened at the district commissioner's office, where officials sought to address the sudden surge of concern among residents.
High-Level Meeting Convenes to Tackle Misinformation
District Commissioner Jay Shivani presided over the high-level gathering, which included key stakeholders such as the additional district commissioner for supply, the superintendent of the supply department, and prominent representatives from the Oil Station Association. The primary objective of the meeting was to analyze and respond to the growing panic that had led many residents to flock to petrol pumps, fueled by unverified social media posts suggesting an imminent fuel crisis.
DC Shivani provided a detailed factual breakdown of the situation, emphasizing that the fuel supply chain remains robust and fully operational. She directly dismissed rumors of a potential dry-out as baseless misinformation, urging the public to rely on official channels for accurate information.
Clarification on Station Closures
Addressing reports of temporary closures at some fuel stations, DC Shivani explained that these incidents were due to internal administrative and financial reasons rather than any deficiency in fuel inventory. "Of the 56 oil depots operating across Jorhat district, only eight were found closed on Wednesday," she stated. "It is crucial for the public to understand that these closures were triggered by the private financial and transaction issues of the respective owners, and not by a shortage of fuel from the oil companies."
She further revealed that six of those eight depots have already resolved their financial bottlenecks and are resuming operations immediately, with the remaining few expected to follow suit shortly. This clarification aims to reassure citizens that the district maintains adequate stock to meet all regular fuel requirements.
Administration's Appeal and Warning
The district administration issued a strong appeal to the citizens of Jorhat, urging them not to be misled by unverified reports or inflammatory social media content. "There is absolutely no need for panic or over-stocking," DC Shivani emphasized, highlighting the importance of maintaining calm and avoiding unnecessary hoarding.
In addition, the Oil Station Association has been strictly instructed to ensure a seamless and regular supply of fuel to the public. The administration also issued a warning that any attempts to hoard fuel or create an artificial crisis would be met with stringent legal action, underscoring their commitment to stability and order.
Background and Context
This proactive response by the Jorhat district administration comes amid a broader context of regional concerns, where misinformation can quickly lead to public unrest. By addressing the issue head-on and providing transparent information, officials hope to restore confidence and prevent further disruption to daily life and economic activities in the district.
