Kolkata Mar 6 : Fuel pumps across the city saw unusually long queues on Thursday evening as anxious motorists lined up to fill their tanks, but officials breathed a sigh of relief, confirming no signs of widespread panic buying despite swirling rumors online. While some stations reported brisk business right up to closing time, supplies held steady with no disruptions to service.
The sudden surge appears triggered by growing concerns over the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, which has sparked fears of potential oil supply chain hiccups and price spikes on the global market. Precautionary visits from regular commuters and families topped up vehicles “just in case,” station owners told reporters, though many dismissed it as overblown caution rather than outright hoarding.
Police maintained a visible presence at key outlets, while fuel retailers repeatedly assured the public of robust stockpiles and round-the-clock monitoring. “We’ve got enough reserves for weeks – no need to worry,” one manager in central Kolkata noted, as pumps in areas like Salt Lake, Behala, and Howrah wrapped up the night without major incidents. City authorities are keeping a close watch, ready to step in if queues persist into Friday.
This comes amid broader regional jitters, with similar reports trickling in from other metros. For now, Kolkata’s fuel flow remains uninterrupted, but drivers are advised to avoid unnecessary trips to pumps unless needed.
