Long queues snaked outside petrol pumps across Odisha on Thursday as anxious motorists rushed to fill up, fearing a looming fuel shortage. But top government and oil company officials have delivered a clear message: there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the state.
The chaos, they say, is entirely man-made—driven by panic, rumours, and a sudden spike in demand. Supplies Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Singh was blunt. “There is absolutely no oil crisis in the state,” he said. Out of nearly 28,000 petrol pumps, only 20–22 are temporarily dry, and that too because of operational and management lapses at the tank level—not because supplies have run out.
“In normal times, too, 20–22 tanks show dry-out conditions. We are monitoring every one of them and will fix the issue immediately,” Singh assured.
He dismissed fears raised by private bus owners as “baseless” and urged citizens not to hoard fuel. “Do not get scared and buy extra. Buses will keep running without any problem.”
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Chief General Manager Kamal Sheel backed the government’s stand with hard numbers. Odisha’s normal daily requirement is 4,000 kilolitres of petrol and 11,000 kilolitres of diesel. Because of panic buying, demand has shot up 20–22 per cent, to 5,000 KL petrol and 13,000 KL diesel.
“Customers are filling their tanks far more than they need out of fear,” Sheel said. “Stocks at depots are more than sufficient.”
Sanjay Lath, General Secretary of the Utkal Petroleum Dealers Association, echoed the reassurance. He pointed out that a few pumps ran dry temporarily because tanker arrivals were delayed due to logistics hiccups. “Depots have plenty of fuel. By evening today, supplies will be back to normal at every pump,” Lath said. He blamed rumours for creating unnecessary panic. “If we focus on smooth transportation, Odisha will not face any situation like Andhra Pradesh,” he added.
Both the state and district administrations have activated crisis management groups. Collectors are submitting daily reports, and officials are in constant touch with oil companies.
Singh issued a stern warning to black-marketeers: “Anyone indulging in black marketing will face strict action.”The government’s message is loud and clear: Ignore the WhatsApp forwards and fear-mongering. Fuel is available, supplies are steady, and the situation is being managed. There is simply no reason to panic—or to empty the pumps.
