Why Are Long Queues at Odisha Petrol Pumps Sparking Panic Buying?

In Odisha, long queues at petrol stations have sparked panic buying, prompting criticism of the BJP government from opposition parties like BJD and Congress. Despite claims of a fuel shortage, the state administration insists that adequate supplies are available. Minister KC Patra has urged citizens to avoid hoarding, attributing the surge in demand to rumors and misinterpretations of the Prime Minister's recent statements. With daily fuel requirements being met, officials are monitoring supply closely to ensure stability. The situation raises questions about the effectiveness of government communication and public response to perceived shortages.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 15, 2026, 16:22 IST

Fuel Crisis or Panic Buying? Odisha's Dilemma

Bhubaneswar: The opposition parties, including BJD and Congress, have criticized the BJP-led government in Odisha due to the emergence of long lines and panic buying at fuel stations. Despite these concerns, the state government insists that there is no fuel shortage and has urged citizens to refrain from hoarding petrol and diesel.

Bhakta Charan Das, the president of the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee, claimed that the current situation is indicative of the BJP government's 'complete failure'.

He expressed his concerns on social media, stating, "The long queues, 'No Stock' signs, and escalating fuel prices across Odisha highlight the BJP government's incompetence. If everything was under control, what happened to the Prime Minister's promises made before the elections?"

BJD MLA Ranendra Pratap Swain echoed these sentiments, attributing the crisis to the government's 'flawed economic policies'.

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In light of the rush at fuel stations, Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra has urged the public to avoid panic buying, assuring that there is enough fuel supply in Odisha for the next 13 days.

He noted that the daily fuel demand has surged by approximately 50% in the last few days due to rumors about a potential supply disruption.

"Odisha supplies fuel to states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. If there is no shortage in those regions, how can Odisha be facing one? The fuel scarcity is merely a rumor," Patra stated.

He observed that many consumers who typically purchase petrol worth Rs 200 were now buying up to Rs 500, with some even bringing jerrycans to stock fuel.

Reports have emerged of certain fuel stations regulating supply, although the minister clarified that there was no official directive for this action.

"Local managers may have taken this step to ensure that fuel is accessible to all customers," he added.

Patra attributed the sudden spike in demand to a 'misinterpretation' of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for reduced fuel consumption to bolster the economy.

"Since oil and gold are imported and paid for in dollars, the PM urged people to manage their consumption. However, some interpreted this as a sign of an impending shortage, leading to unnecessary buying," he explained.

The minister confirmed that the government has instructed authorities to conduct raids against black marketing and prioritize fuel supply for public transport vehicles like buses and trucks.

He also mentioned that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have verified that there is sufficient fuel stock and that supply chains are functioning smoothly.

Kamal Sheel, Chief General Manager of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, stated that Odisha requires approximately 44.7 lakh liters of petrol and 1.12 crore liters of diesel daily.

"Demand has risen in the past few days. There is no fuel shortage in the state, and supply is being monitored on a district basis," Sheel said, urging the public not to crowd fuel stations or hoard fuel unnecessarily.

He added that each district currently has enough fuel stock for three to four days, with regular replenishment based on demand.

In response to inquiries, Sheel noted that some petrol pumps were temporarily closed for reasons unrelated to fuel availability.