The final phase of assembly elections in four states and a union territory has coincided with widespread panic buying of fuel across India amid fears that petrol, diesel and cooking gas prices will spike once voting ends. Reports say long queues have formed at petrol pumps in several regions and, in states such as Andhra Pradesh, demand at some outlets has reportedly jumped by about 33 percent as residents stock up on fuel. The surge in purchases has raised concerns about local supply disruptions and public alarm.
The central government has moved to calm the situation, urging citizens not to be alarmed or fall for rumors. The Modi administration has asked people to rely on official information and avoid hoarding, saying there is no reason for panic. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, told officials that the government currently has no plan to raise petrol or diesel prices, and she emphasized that measures are being taken to ensure supplies remain steady.
The panic is occurring against a backdrop of international supply worries: the war in the Middle East and instability in the Strait of Hormuz have kept global energy markets on edge and fuel security a frequent topic of discussion for the past month. Some citizens suspect that domestic pricing is being held artificially high for political reasons during the election period; the government has rejected those claims as unfounded.
Authorities say there are adequate national stocks of LPG, petrol and diesel, and have issued instructions to state governments and fuel suppliers to maintain normal supply chains. While booking limits for gas cylinders have been introduced in certain areas as a precaution, officials say reports of an impending nationwide fuel shortage are baseless. The government also says it is monitoring sellers to prevent any artificial shortages or unlawful price manipulation and urges consumers to consult official channels for accurate updates and refrain from panic buying.
Original Source: https://assam.nenow.in/will-fuel-prices-increase-central-government-breaks-silence-amid-nationwide-concerns/
Category: দেশ,বাণিজ্য,শীর্ষ সংবাদ
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Publish Date: 2026-04-28 20:03:00
