Despite the visible signs of distress among consumers, the state government has reassured the public that there is ample stock of petrol and diesel available in Gujarat. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi has urged citizens to remain calm and not succumb to the panic fueled by misinformation circulating on social media platforms. “There is enough stock of petrol and diesel available in the state and so people need not do hoarding or panic,” he stated, attempting to quell the growing anxiety.

The panic was reportedly exacerbated by a sudden change in payment systems implemented by oil marketing companies, which left many consumers confused and concerned about their ability to access fuel. Approximately 30-40% of retail outlets in Gujarat are currently facing supply issues due to logistical difficulties, which has further contributed to the sense of urgency among drivers looking to fill their tanks.

In response to the situation, the Indian Oil Corporation has confirmed that adequate supplies of petrol and diesel are indeed available in Gujarat. Sujata Sharma, a spokesperson for the corporation, emphasized, “These are not dry outs. We have checked it from the field and all petrol pumps are working normally and adequate fuel is available at all such facilities.” This statement aims to reassure the public that the fuel supply chain remains intact despite the temporary disruptions.

The current crisis has also been linked to the rising price of crude oil, which has surged from USD 60 to USD 118-120 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions. This increase has led to a refining loss of 36-38 per litre faced by oil marketing companies, prompting them to implement an advance payment policy for fuel dealers. This policy change has added to the confusion and anxiety among consumers, who are now worried about the availability of fuel.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation and holding regular review meetings to ensure that the supply of petrol and diesel remains stable. “The government is fully prepared to ensure that petrol and diesel are available at all pumps,” Sanghavi assured the public, indicating a proactive approach to managing the crisis.

As the situation develops, it is crucial for citizens to remain informed and not give in to the rumors that have been circulating. “People should not pay attention to rumours being spread through social media or WhatsApp,” Sanghavi advised, highlighting the importance of relying on official communications rather than unverified information. The government’s efforts to stabilize the situation will be key in preventing further panic among the public.

The wider picture

Fuel retailers have reported that India maintains a 70-day reserve of crude oil, indicating that there is no immediate shortage of fuel in the country. However, the combination of rising prices and logistical challenges has created a perfect storm that has led to the current panic buying scenario in Ahmedabad. As the government works to address these issues, it remains to be seen how quickly normalcy can be restored to the fuel supply chain.

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“The windows were rattling, and it broke my sleep around 5.30am. The house was filled with a layer of dust as we forgot to close the windows,” shared local resident Nishtha Sheth, reflecting on the unexpected weather that swept through Ahmedabad early Thursday morning.

The city experienced a brief but intense dust storm, which was accompanied by strong gusts of wind that reduced visibility in several localities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the weather conditions were linked to an upper air cyclonic circulation over west Rajasthan.

As the storm subsided, sporadic showers were reported in the evening, with light drizzle noted in areas such as SG Highway, Bopal, and Chandkheda. Despite the chaotic weather, no deaths or major disasters have occurred, although the disruption raised concerns among farmers during the harvest season.

Ahmedabad recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2°C and a minimum of 22.5°C on Thursday, with relative humidity levels ranging from 49% in the morning to 31% in the evening. Strong winds, recorded at speeds between 15 to 40 km/h, added to the day’s challenges.

Inbound flights were diverted to Indore due to the strong winds affecting Ahmedabad, highlighting the storm’s impact on transportation as well. The IMD has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers in Ahmedabad over the next 24 hours, suggesting that the weather may remain unsettled.

Farmers are particularly worried about the risk of crop damage due to unseasonal rain and hail during this critical harvesting period. The situation is precarious, as they rely on stable weather conditions to secure their yields.

While the immediate effects of the storm have been felt, details regarding claims of heavy rains in the outskirts of Ahmedabad remain unconfirmed. As the city navigates this unpredictable weather, residents are left to brace for whatever comes next.

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