Kolhapur Fuel Panic Buying: Collector Assures Adequate Stocks Amid Rumors
In Kolhapur, district collector Amol Yedge has firmly refuted recent rumors of a fuel shortage, assuring residents that the district maintains adequate stocks and urging them to avoid panic buying. Despite this official appeal, a significant rush to stock up on fuel was observed on Tuesday, highlighting the disconnect between official statements and public behavior.
Surge in Sales and Strain on Petrol Pumps
Yedge reported that panic buying has led to a 25-30% increase in fuel sales, placing considerable strain on petrol pump operators. He emphasized that all three major fuel companies have guaranteed sufficient supplies to pumps across the district, with an adequate buffer stock in place. "People should avoid panic buying. Other districts have not reported panic buying," Yedge stated, noting that the issue appears localized to Kolhapur.
The collector acknowledged that a small percentage of petrol pumps—approximately 4-5%—were temporarily shut, but clarified that these closures were due to reasons unrelated to supply issues, such as maintenance or operational factors.
Rumors Trigger Rationing and Long Queues
Over the past few days, rumors of an impending fuel shortage and potential price hikes have circulated widely, prompting heightened anxiety among consumers. One petrol pump operator described the impact: "We require a tanker of petrol every day, typically delivered at midnight. Since the rumors started, we had to place an order for an additional tanker in the afternoon to meet the unexpected demand."
In response to the surge, many petrol pumps began rationing fuel to manage supplies. At some locations, restrictions were imposed, such as:
- Motorcycles receiving no more than Rs 200 worth of petrol.
- Cars limited to around Rs 1,000 worth of petrol or diesel.
A biker from Kushire village in Panhala tehsil shared his experience: "I visited three petrol pumps and waited 45 minutes for my turn. I had to plead with the employee to fill at least Rs 500 worth of petrol for an urgent trip. He asked where I lived before agreeing to the amount."
LPG Concerns and Official Reassurances
The panic extended beyond petrol, with consumers from areas like Shivaji Peth, Sambhajinagar, Budhwar Peth, and some suburbs taking to the streets with empty LPG cylinders. They reported that distributors claimed a shortage, leading to suspicions of clandestine sales in the black market.
Yedge addressed these concerns, asserting that LPG supply remains normal. He advised residents to book gas only when necessary and to disregard unfounded rumors. "We have made helpline numbers available for people to report any complaints regarding fuel and LPG shortages," he added, reinforcing the administration's commitment to transparency and support.
This situation underscores the challenges of managing public perception during times of uncertainty, as official assurances struggle to counteract the spread of rumors and the resulting panic-driven behavior.
