Fuel panic in Chandigarh after petrol pump puts up purchase limit notice
A fuel station in Chandigarh capped fuel refills amid low stock and global supply fears linked to the US-Iran conflict.
Panic briefly swept parts of Chandigarh on Monday after posters at a fuel station imposed limits on fuel purchases, sparking fears of a possible petrol and diesel shortage amid growing concerns over global crude supply disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The posters, put up at a fuel station in Sector 17, restricted fuel refills to Rs 500 for two-wheelers and Rs 1,500 for four-wheelers. Images and videos of the notices went viral on social media around 11 am, triggering concern among residents and prompting many to rush to nearby fuel stations.
The Chandigarh administration, however, swiftly clarified that no such directive had been issued by the Union Territory administration and assured citizens that fuel supply across the city remained normal.
Officials also pulled up the owner of the fuel station, identified as HG Petro Care, for putting up the restriction notices without any administrative instruction. The posters were later removed.
Speaking to India Today, the manager of HG Petro Care said the temporary limits were imposed voluntarily due to low stock levels and concerns that the station could run out of fuel before the next tanker arrived.
“We put up the limit posters as we were short on stock and were concerned about running dry, but it was completely voluntary. There was no direction from the administration. After the videos went viral on social media, we removed the posters and are now filling as much fuel as customers require,” the manager said.
He added that there was “no panic or problem related to fuel for citizens” and that the temporary cap was only meant to ensure the available stock lasted until fresh supplies arrived.
India Today also visited three other fuel stations across Chandigarh and found normal operations with uninterrupted fuel supply. No restrictions were imposed at those outlets, and customers were allowed to purchase petrol, diesel, and CNG without any cap.
Panic briefly swept parts of Chandigarh on Monday after posters at a fuel station imposed limits on fuel purchases, sparking fears of a possible petrol and diesel shortage amid growing concerns over global crude supply disruptions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict.
The posters, put up at a fuel station in Sector 17, restricted fuel refills to Rs 500 for two-wheelers and Rs 1,500 for four-wheelers. Images and videos of the notices went viral on social media around 11 am, triggering concern among residents and prompting many to rush to nearby fuel stations.
The Chandigarh administration, however, swiftly clarified that no such directive had been issued by the Union Territory administration and assured citizens that fuel supply across the city remained normal.
Officials also pulled up the owner of the fuel station, identified as HG Petro Care, for putting up the restriction notices without any administrative instruction. The posters were later removed.
Speaking to India Today, the manager of HG Petro Care said the temporary limits were imposed voluntarily due to low stock levels and concerns that the station could run out of fuel before the next tanker arrived.
“We put up the limit posters as we were short on stock and were concerned about running dry, but it was completely voluntary. There was no direction from the administration. After the videos went viral on social media, we removed the posters and are now filling as much fuel as customers require,” the manager said.
He added that there was “no panic or problem related to fuel for citizens” and that the temporary cap was only meant to ensure the available stock lasted until fresh supplies arrived.
India Today also visited three other fuel stations across Chandigarh and found normal operations with uninterrupted fuel supply. No restrictions were imposed at those outlets, and customers were allowed to purchase petrol, diesel, and CNG without any cap.
