Rush at fuel stations in Marathwada amid rumours of petrol, diesel price hike

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Fuel stations across Marathwada witnessed heavy rush and long queues over the past two days after rumours of an imminent hike in petrol and diesel prices spread rapidly on social media, triggering panic buying among motorists despite no official announcement.Petrol pumps in cities including Jalna, Latur, Beed, Hingoli, Nanded and parts of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar reported an unusual surge in demand, with two-wheelers, cars and commercial vehicles lining up for refuelling. In several areas, the sudden influx led to traffic congestion around fuel stations.The speculation follows a recent increase of Rs 993 in the prices of commercial LPG cylinders, which appears to have heightened public anxiety over a possible fuel price revision. Adding to the concern was a statement by Congress politician and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who warned that the LPG price hike of around Rs 1,380 over the past three months could be followed by increases in petrol and diesel prices, terming it an "election bill".Fuel station operators said the rush began in the afternoon and intensified by evening as messages claiming an impending price hike went viral on messaging platforms. "There is no official communication about any price increase, but people are rushing in fearing a hike," said Hiten Patel, owner of AP Patel petrol pump in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar."As of now, fuel prices remain unchanged, and there is no confirmation of any proposed hike," an official from the district civil supplies office said.Several motorists said they chose to refill their tanks as a precaution. "We saw messages saying petrol and diesel prices will rise soon, so we didn't want to take a chance," said Sudhir Deshpande, who was waiting in a queue.Although no formal advisory has been issued, officials have informally urged people not to believe unverified information and to rely only on official announcements by oil companies or govt.Industry observers noted that such panic-driven rushes, often fuelled by misinformation, have become common amid global geopolitical tensions.