The escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States is beginning to cast a shadow over Odisha, with rumours of fuel shortages sparking panic among residents.
However, state officials and industry leaders have urged calm, assuring that there is ample stock of petrol and diesel, and no immediate price hikes are expected despite rising global crude oil prices.
The Odisha Petrol and Diesel Dealers’ Association President, Sanjay Lath, addressed concerns over cooking gas supplies, noting that deliveries to major industries have been halted amid a looming national shortage deadline.
“We’ve seen a glimpse of this in the state on Saturday,” Lath said. He warned that if the war persists, gas prices could surge further, emphasising that supplies primarily come from Qatar, which have currently been disrupted.
Lath advised the public to use cooking gas judiciously and avoid wastage, adding that the recent price increase in cooking gas has been minimal so far. “But if the conflict drags on, it won’t just be about higher prices—availability could become a real challenge,” he cautioned. He also pointed out that crude oil prices rose to $94 per barrel on Saturday, signaling potential future pressures.
Despite these global headwinds, Lath reassured that petrol and diesel prices in Odisha will remain stable. “We have sufficient crude oil reserves, and oil is being imported from 42 countries beyond the Middle East,” he explained. This diversification, he said, insulates consumers from immediate impacts.
Echoing this sentiment, Odisha’s Food and Supplies Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, firmly debunked rumours of petrol and diesel shortages. “There is no scarcity—don’t fall for gossip,” the minister stated. He highlighted that the state holds substantial oil reserves, making panic-buying unnecessary. “People are getting confused by misleading war-related news. Fill your vehicle tanks as needed, but don’t hoard in barrels at home,” Patra advised.
The minister noted that oil imports from Russia have resumed, alleviating any temporary disruptions. He attributed recent long queues at fuel stations to public panic fueled by false reports, rather than actual shortages. “If required, we will take action,” he added.
The apparent shortages in some districts stem from logistical issues over the past three days, including Holi and other holidays, which delayed petrol and diesel loading and tanker deliveries to pumps. Some media outlets erroneously linked this to the war, a claim Patra dismissed as “complete rumour.” Social media has amplified these falsehoods, leading to crowds at stations.
Both the central Petroleum Minister and various oil companies have reiterated that India has adequate fuel reserves nationwide, with no shortages on the horizon. Residents are encouraged to disregard unverified information and continue normal consumption to prevent artificial crises.
