Petrol stations witnessed a rush of vehicles after commuters resorted to panic buying in Belagavi on Wednesday. | Photo credit: PK BADIGER
Panic buying of petrol continued in Belagavi and other cities on Wednesday even as officials maintained that there was no shortage.
Long queues were seen outside petrol stations in Belagavi, Bailhongal, Hukkeri, Gokaku and other places. However, the rush was less compared to the last two days.
In Belagavi, police from the Mal Maruti police station arrested two youths for fighting over petrol near the station.
In Davangere, officials clarified that there was no shortage of domestic cylinders or fuel.
“There is no shortage of fuel including cooking gas, petrol and diesel in the district. There is no need to panic and reserve cylinders. Commercial cylinders are also being supplied,” Deputy Commissioner GM Gangadharaswamy told reporters.
“Initially, there was a problem with commercial cylinders due to the conflict in West Asia. This problem is solved and enough fuel is being supplied. Up to 182 commercial cylinders are booked daily in the district and distribution is also underway. The supply is enough for nine days and supply is on demand. However, it is appropriate for consumers to emphasize moderation in the use of cooking gas,” he said. “Strict action will be taken if rumors in this regard are spread on social media,” he said.
According to him, 41 gas agencies of government companies Hindustan Petroleum (HP), Bharat and Indane Oil Company (IOC) in the district reported that 9,427 out of 9,546 cooking gas cylinders are reaching the customers every day. The service was provided within 24 hours of booking. The agencies said daily cooking gas bookings rose to an average of 46,345.
The fact that the bookings have increased five times shows the anxiety of the people. “There are 220 petrol stations in the district and there are stocks of petrol and diesel. LPG supply for cars has also resumed. People should not listen to rumors spread on social media,” he said.
“The Union government has made it clear that there is enough fuel in the country for the next five months. Fuel is being supplied to Davangere daily from Mangalore. Information has been received that people are coming to stations with cans in panic. Stations have been instructed not to fill fuel in such cans,” he said.
Officials raided hotels and shops where domestic pressure cylinders were being used for commercial purposes and recovered 90 pressure cylinders. A center that filled domestic pressure cylinders for cars was raided and legal action taken.
Published – 26 Mar 2026 0:44 IST
