- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:19 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Several motorists in the Mumbai Metropolitan area (Mumbai itself, Thane, and Kalyan) have been waiting at gas stations for extended periods this week in fear of a potential fuel shortage. Even though both government and fuel companies claim that there is enough fuel, thousands of vehicles have been spotted all over the Central and Suburban areas of Mumbai since Monday evening, having all been lined up for the last few days.
Posts on social media networking sites and Text Messaging Services massively propelled the panic throughout Mumbai regarding the anticipated shortage of gasoline, leading many commuters to fill their tanks on the double just in case an actual shortage occurred.
Stations in Andheri, Chembur, Ghatkopar and parts of Navi Mumbai and Thane saw dramatic increases in their gasoline sales. Several stations even struggled to keep up with the demand, driving cars out into residential streets to wait for gas. Operators at the pumps said that a vast number of cars refuelling were motivated by fear rather than urgent necessity.
"Customers are filling up fearfully," NDTV quoted one operator in the Chembur area.
The major oil companies, as well as the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, have confirmed there is no real shortage of fuel (petrol or diesel). Officials say there are adequate fuel stocks at the various terminals and depots, and all supply chains are functioning properly.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry Sujata Sharma explained in a media briefing that while there are long lines at fuel stations, this was mainly due to rumours, and people need not panic buy and should continue their regular consumption patterns.
What Has Caused the Panic?
Industry sources suggest that a recent change in operations (an advance payment system) for payments between the oil companies and their dealers has resulted in some temporary delays in the supply of fuel to some dealers. These delays and fake news have exacerbated the anxiety of the public.
In addition, unverified reports of a potential increase in fuel prices (more than Rs 5 per litre) in certain areas, combined with the ongoing political situation in West Asia, continue to create fears about crude oil supplies.
Many commuters mentioned they evacuated to fuel stations due to long lines as a result of alarming social media posts regarding fuel shortages. In addition, some people said they were leaving work early so as not to be subjected to long lines at the stations, thus causing traffic problems on major highways.
"I left work early because I saw people were already lining up. Everybody at work was also talking about the extreme fuel shortage we may face in the next few days," said one rider in Thane.
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As per the experts, panic buying causes a self-perpetuating shortage; therefore, if too many individuals flock to gas stations simultaneously, they may run out of gasoline and reinforce the belief that there is a shortage.
Authorities have also stated that hoarding gasoline in personal containers is both unlawful and poses a significant fire risk.