Fuel Panic in Patna Triggers Limited Sales at Petrol Pumps Amid Price Hike and Supply Rumours

In response to the situation, several petrol pump operators in the state capital have voluntarily decided to restrict fuel sales in limited quantities. However, petroleum companies have not issued any official directive mandating restrictions on full-tank refuelling or reduced sales.

Arvind Kumar, a petrol pump owner in Patna, clarified that no instructions have been received from oil marketing companies regarding any cap on fuel distribution. He stated that the decision to limit fuel dispensing has been taken independently by pump operators to ensure equitable distribution among all consumers.

He further explained that the move is aimed at preventing panic-driven hoarding and ensuring that fuel remains available for every customer. According to him, if individuals fill their tanks completely, others may be left without access to fuel, which could further fuel rumours and panic. Fuel is currently being dispensed based on vehicle requirements, including motorcycles, cars, heavy commercial vehicles, trucks, tractors, and buses.

On Friday, petrol and diesel prices were increased by 3 rupees per litre each. Market expectations suggest that further price hikes may follow in the coming days.

According to a report by Emkay Global, oil marketing companies are currently incurring losses of 17 to 18 rupees per litre on petrol and diesel at existing price levels. This comes even after the government reduced excise duty by 10 rupees per litre on both fuels in March. The report further warns that if retail prices are not revised upward, oil companies could face total losses of between 57,000 crore and 58,000 crore rupees in the current quarter.

Rising crude oil prices in the international market have added further pressure. Before the escalation linked to geopolitical tensions, crude oil was priced at around 70 dollars per barrel, but it has now crossed the 100 dollars per barrel mark, significantly impacting supply economics.

Inflation concerns have also widened beyond fuel. Prior to the fuel price hike, leading dairy brands Amul and Mother Dairy increased milk prices by 2 rupees per litre. Analysts now expect regional dairy producers to follow suit with further price revisions. Economists estimate that combined increases in petrol, diesel, cooking gas, and milk prices could push retail inflation higher by approximately 0.42 percent.

The situation underscores growing economic pressure on essential commodities, with fuel market volatility now directly influencing household costs and inflation trends.