JAMSHEDPUR: Amidst circulating rumors regarding a shortage of petrol and diesel in the steel city of Jamshedpur, the district administration has stepped in to clarify the situation. Authorities and oil company representatives have assured the public that there is an ample stock of fuel in the district and the supply chain remains completely smooth. The current chaos at fuel stations is solely the result of baseless rumors leading to ‘panic buying’.
A crucial meeting was convened at the Collectorate Auditorium by District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Piyush Pandey. The meeting included representatives from oil companies, petrol pump operators, and the Petrol Pump Association. Key officials present included the ADM Law & Order, SDO Dhalbhum, SDO Ghatshila, the Additional Municipal Commissioner of the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee, Traffic DSP, District Supply Officer, and Area Managers from Indian Oil, HP, Bharat Petroleum, and Jio.
Panic Buying Doubles Fuel Sales
During the meeting, an in-depth review of fuel availability and the supply chain in the district was conducted. It was revealed that due to unnecessary confusion among consumers, most petrol pumps in urban areas recorded nearly double their normal sales over the past two days. Oil company representatives categorically stated that there is no shortage of fuel and regular supplies are being dispatched to petrol pumps.
Deputy Commissioner’s Appeal: Ignore Rumors, No Fuel in Bottles
Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan appealed to the public, stating that the availability of petrol and diesel in the district is completely normal. He urged citizens not to pay attention to rumors and to purchase fuel only as per their actual requirements. Panic buying creates unnecessary pressure on the system. Furthermore, he issued strict instructions to petrol pump operators prohibiting the sale of fuel in bottles or other containers to prevent security risks and misuse.
SSP’s Directive: Maintain Law and Order, Exercise Restraint
SSP Piyush Pandey urged citizens to exercise restraint. He noted that unnecessary crowding and haphazard parking of vehicles at petrol pumps disrupt the city’s traffic and law-and-order situation. He requested the public not to trust unverified or misleading information spread on social media and to rely only on official information released by the administration.
Warning to Social Media Influencers
The administration directed petrol pump operators to continuously educate customers through social media and public address systems within their premises. Oil companies have been instructed to continuously monitor the supply chain. Additionally, the administration warned social media influencers, YouTubers, and digital content creators against spreading misleading information. Press representatives were also requested to cooperate by providing factual information to the public.
