Lucknow, March 27: Scenes of chaos were witnessed across Lucknow as long queues stretching nearly 1 kilometre formed outside petrol pumps following rumors of a fuel shortage and possible price hike. Many fuel stations reportedly ran out of stock temporarily due to the sudden surge in demand, forcing several pumps to shut down operations for hours.
Panic buying triggered by rumours
The rush was largely driven by unverified messages circulating on social media about a potential increase in petrol and diesel prices. As panic spread, people rushed overnight to refuel their vehicles, leading to heavy crowds and traffic disruptions across the city. Similar scenes were reported in multiple districts of Uttar Pradesh, where panic buying escalated quickly.
Night chaos, morning rush continues
According to reports, altercations broke out at several petrol pumps during the night as people struggled to get fuel amid rising crowds. By morning, the situation intensified further, with even longer queues and increased pressure on fuel stations.
Several pumps temporarily run dry
Due to the sudden spike in demand, many petrol pumps exhausted their available stock much faster than usual. Officials noted that this created a temporary shortage at retail outlets, even though overall supply remained stable. In some areas, pumps had to regulate fuel sales or shut down briefly until fresh stock arrived.
Authorities deny fuel shortage
Government officials and oil companies have clarified that there is no actual shortage of fuel in the state.
- Adequate stock is available at depots
- Supply chains are functioning normally
- Panic buying caused the disruption
Authorities warned that rumors were misleading and urged people not to hoard fuel. Police also stepped in to manage crowds and appealed to citizens to remain calm.
Demand spikes sharply
Officials revealed that fuel consumption surged abnormally due to panic buying, with demand increasing by nearly 40% compared to normal days. This sudden spike put pressure on petrol pumps, leading to long queues and temporary outages.
Advisory for citizens
Authorities have issued guidelines to prevent further chaos:
- Avoid panic buying
- Refuel only as needed
- Trust official updates over social media rumors.
Strict action may be taken against those spreading misinformation. Despite the chaotic scenes, officials maintain that the situation is under control and fuel supply remains sufficient across Uttar Pradesh. The incident highlights how misinformation can quickly trigger panic, disrupting normal supply systems even when resources are adequate.