Panaji: The petrol pump opposite the Caranzalem beach sees a footfall of nearly 200 motorists per day. However, on Wednesday it saw 400 motorists within the first half of the day. Fuel pumps, not just in Panaji but across Goa, witnessed serpentine queues as residents rushed to fill their tanks amid growing fears of a fuel shortage due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.“We are still charging Rs 96 per litre for petrol and Rs 88 per litre for diesel. Besides, we are well-stocked for the next five days, yet people are panicking and buying fuel,” a petrol pump employee said.Social media messages and word-of-mouth warnings seem to have fuelled anxiety, prompting many to stock up on fuel as a precautionary measure. This comes even after chief minister Pramod Sawant said at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday that there is no shortage of petrol in Goa.Some were seen not only tanking up their vehicles but also filling cans and bottles to save for later. “I have a generator at home and need to stock up on adequate fuel. As a result, it is imperative that I keep 10-litre cans at hand,” said Rafi Shaikh, a Taleigao resident.Motorists waited for extended periods to secure petrol and diesel, leading to slight traffic congestion in some areas, as vehicles spilled onto adjacent roads.“Escalating geopolitical tensions in oil-producing countries could disrupt global supply chains, potentially affecting fuel availability in India. Everyone around me was saying that fuel prices will rise, so I had to ensure that I fuelled up before rates are inflated,” said Rakesh Tiruwa, a working professional from Panaji.The panic-buying led to some outlets running out of fuel. “All the petrol was exhausted by 6pm, and we had to turn vehicles away,” a staff member at the petrol pump next to Don Bosco School, Panaji, said. Despite the rush among private vehicle owners, public transport vehicles seemed at ease.Shyam Waradkar, an autorickshaw rider, said, “There has been no official announcement from oil companies or govt authorities indicating a shortage or rise in rates. Most of us are only refilling our daily intake.”“People should not fall for rumours. There is sufficient stock at all fuel stations across Goa,” a representative of Manura petrol pump, Colva, said.Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited took to social media to announce that “rumours about petrol and diesel shortages are completely unfounded” and advised citizens “not to panic or engage in unnecessary buying”.HPCL, too, put out a written statement urging people not to panic, “Fuel supplies remain stable, and adequate stocks are available at all locations. Customers are requested not to panic and avoid unnecessary bookings, as rumours suggesting fuel shortages or sudden price increases are misleading and unwarranted,” it said.
