Amid rumors of a fuel shortage causing panic buying and long queues at petrol pumps in Bhopal, the district administration has introduced a Standard Operating Procedure to maintain order and assure citizens of sufficient fuel supplies. District Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh issued an order to address the dissemination of misleading information leading to unnecessary fear and chaos at petrol stations. The administration emphasized that there is no actual scarcity of petrol, diesel, or liquefied petroleum gas in Bhopal or Madhya Pradesh.
The order mandates the implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure under relevant laws to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential goods, uphold public peace, and combat the spread of misinformation. The surge in fuel station crowds was attributed to false information circulating on social media platforms and messaging apps, prompting the administration to monitor and take action against those spreading rumors. Authorities warned of legal consequences, including filing First Information Reports, against individuals inciting panic.
To prevent hoarding, the administration prohibited the filling of fuel in containers without proper regulation. Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh urged the public to stay calm, disregard rumors, and assured that fuel stocks are plentiful to meet demand. The order was prompted by increased footfall at petrol pumps in Madhya Pradesh, including Bhopal, influenced by the tense situation in West Asia.
