Fuel jitters in CG: Raipur, Bilaspur pumps run dry as panic buying worsens supply lag

Raipur: Raipur: The ripple effects of the ongoing US–Iran tensions have begun to show on the ground in Chhattisgarh, with fuel supply disruptions triggering partial shutdowns of petrol pumps and long queues across major cities, including Raipur and Bilaspur and parts of Bastar.In Raipur district alone, around 20 petrol pumps reportedly remained shut on Thursday after running out of stock, while nearly 30 others were on the verge of going dry, dealers said. The situation was mirrored in Bilaspur, where at least four pumps downed shutters and over a dozen reported “no stock” conditions, particularly along the Bilaspur–Korba stretch.Speaking to TOI, Raipur collector Gaurav Singh said that he is having meetings with the petrol pump dealers to deal with the situation.Fuel stations across Raipur saw unprecedented rush since morning, with long queues reported at Shastri Chowk, Santoshi Nagar, Mekahara and other busy locations. In several outlets, petrol and diesel stocks were exhausted within hours, forcing temporary closure.In areas like Tikrapara, Bhatagaon and along Ring Road, pumps that still had stock witnessed serpentine queues, with vehicles pouring in even from neighbouring Durg, Bhilai and Patan regions where supplies had already dried up.Dealers said demand had surged sharply as consumers rushed to top up tanks amid fears of an impending shortage.“People are buying more fuel than required due to panic. This has created artificial pressure on supply,” said Akhil Dhakad, president of the Chhattisgarh petrol pump association.Officials said Raipur has around 297 petrol pumps, of which 277 still had some stock left, though many were operating under severe pressure.Bilaspur collector Sanjay Agrawal also convened a meeting with oil companies and dealers to streamline supply, while officials in both districts expressed confidence that normalcy would return within 48 hours.BOX:Fuel stocks adequate in Chhattisgarh, don’t panic: GovtTNNRaipur: Amid panic buying triggered by rumours of fuel shortage in parts of Chhattisgarh, the state govt on Thursday asserted that there is “adequate stock” of petrol and diesel available across the state and appealed to citizens not to indulge in unnecessary hoarding.Food secretary Reena Babasaheb Kangale said the fuel supply chain remains normal and oil depots are receiving regular replenishment. She said the state currently has 45,474 kilolitres of petrol and 84,654 kilolitres of diesel in stock, against a daily requirement of 3,635 kilolitres and 5,873 kilolitres respectively.According to the govt, 2,516 petrol and diesel pumps are operational across Chhattisgarh. On Thursday alone, oil depots received 6,551 kilolitres of petrol and 4,760 kilolitres of diesel, further strengthening availability.