Fuel shortage triggers panic buying, long queues at Jamshedpur pumps

Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur witnessed massive queues at petrol pumps for the second straight day as a severe fuel shortage hit the city and the wider Kolhan division, sparking panic buying among motorists.

Nearly 40% of fuel stations have run dry, while others have begun rationing supplies. Commuters were forced to visit multiple outlets, only to encounter "no stock" signs. At several pumps, either petrol or diesel alone was available.

Kunal Kumar, president of the petrol pump operators association, said the crisis deepened due to a combination of supply constraints and panic buying.

Pump owners said oil companies recently stopped extending credit, requiring advance cash payments to book fuel stock. The system was introduced after a geopolitical crisis in March, leaving operators to purchase only limited quantities depending on cash flow.

Mahesh Sonthalia, a pump owner in Sakchi, said wholesale supply remained relatively stable, but panic hoarding worsened the shortage.

To curb hoarding, several stations capped diesel sales at 200 litres and petrol at 50 litres per transaction. Operators said some buyers were attempting to stockpile fuel in drums and containers.

SCCI president Manav Kedia said the chamber would take up the matter with oil companies to identify the cause and restore normal supply.

Jamshedpur district has over 6.5 lakh registered vehicles, while its 35 petrol pumps sell about 2.3 lakh litres of petrol and 2.8 lakh litres of diesel daily.