Serpentine queues seen in front of petrol pumps in Belagavi on March 24, 2026. | Photo credit: BADIGER PK
Reports on social media platforms that from Tuesday (March 24, 2026) petrol pumps will not function for two days has led to panic buying of fuel in Belagavi city and surrounding areas.
Long queues of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, were seen outside petrol stations as rumors started spreading from Monday (March 23) night.
Within hours, several stations closed their shutters or posted “No Stock” signs.
Even on the morning of March 24th, the lines didn’t seem to be shortening. While some petrol pumps in Tilakwadi did not open at all, some at Rupali talkies cross, Azam Nagar and Gandhi Nagar displayed “No Stock” signs
Commuters flocked to petrol pumps in Belagavi city after panic on social media that the pumps would be closed for two days. | Photo credit: BADIGER PK
Even as commuters started going from one station to another in search of petrol, some residents who live in border villages like Hindalga or Jamboti started going to Goa to fill their tanks.
Meanwhile, several oil PSUs like HPCL have issued clarifications that there was no fuel shortage. A social media post by HPCL said fuel supply was normal and storage was adequate and there was no cause for concern.
Published – March 24, 2026 12:16 PM IST
