Guwahati: Amid anxiety triggered by rumours of a fuel shortage and a perceived lockdown-like situation, the Assam government on Thursday sought to reassure the public, stating that there is adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG across the state.
Addressing the concerns, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma urged residents not to resort to panic buying, asserting that there is no disruption in supply. “There is sufficient availability of petrol, diesel and LPG in Assam, and there is no reason for concern. I urge people to avoid unnecessary purchases,” he said.
Sarma added that the government would have informed citizens in advance if any shortage was anticipated. He also noted that at a recent multi-party meeting at the national level, the Centre had clarified that there is no fuel scarcity anywhere in the country. “Common people should not spend or waste money on buying more. Consume only as much as required,” he said.
Earlier, the office of the District Commissioner of Kamrup Metropolitan, Swapneel Paul, issued a public notice stating that fuel stocks in the district remain adequate. “As per field reports, there is sufficient stock of both petrol and diesel in Kamrup Metropolitan district as of now. There is no shortage and no anticipation pointing towards the same,” the notice said, urging residents to refrain from panic buying.
The administration also advised citizens to report any issues related to fuel availability through the emergency helpline number 1077.
The clarifications come in the wake of long queues at petrol pumps across Guwahati, as rumours of an impending shortage prompted residents to stock up on fuel. Officials cautioned that such panic buying could itself strain supply chains if it continues unchecked.
Authorities reiterated that supply lines remain stable and appealed to the public to remain calm, while warning against the spread of misinformation.