Long queues were seen outside petrol pumps across major cities in Gujarat on Monday evening, as panic buying gripped consumers amid rising concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US.
In Ahmedabad, queues of two-wheelers and cars were reported in several areas, including Gota, where fuel outlets operated by Nayara Energy temporarily suspended operations after running out of stock. Similar disruptions were reported from Rajkot and Surat, where a handful of petrol pumps shut temporarily after exhausting available fuel.
“In the last few hours, long queues have been seen at petrol pumps across Ahmedabad. There is no disruption in supply from oil companies or the government. Adequate quantities are available. Out of around 210 pumps in the city, only four or five are currently out of fuel, which appears to have triggered panic,” said Arvind Thakker, past president of the Federation of Gujarat Petroleum Dealers Association (FGPDA).
Temporary stock-outs
According to FGPDA, about eight petrol pumps in Rajkot and five in Surat faced temporary stock-outs. “We have been assured by oil marketing companies that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. Some dealers faced payment-related issues over the weekend, which delayed replenishment. Supplies are ongoing and pumps will be restocked shortly. According to the information coming to us, pumps belonging to Nayara and Bharat Petroluem are the most affected and have reported to have dried out,” said Dhimant Ghelani, secretary of the association.
Dealers added that outlets of Indian Oil Corporation have been witnessing higher demand due to their wider network, further contributing to localised pressure. Gujarat government also issued a statement assuring that there was no fuel shortage. An important meeting was also held under the chairmanship of chief minister Bhupendra Patel in the state capital Gandhinagar where he took stock of the the fuel availability in the state.
Published on March 23, 2026
