The Tamil Nadu Petroleum Merchants Association has reassured the public that there is an ample supply of petrol and diesel throughout the state. Despite concerns arising from rumors related to the Iran conflict, fuel distribution remains normal, with all 7,000 petrol pumps in Tamil Nadu receiving regular supplies. Panic buying triggered by unfounded fears of scarcity has led to long queues at fuel stations, prompting the association to urge calm and rational refueling practices.
Dealers have observed a surge in customers purchasing fuel in quantities exceeding their usual consumption, with some resorting to storing petrol in containers. This panic-driven behavior has strained petrol pumps, although there is no actual shortage of fuel. The association emphasized that maintaining a three-day stock is standard practice to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability to the public, cautioning that artificial scarcity can be created by unnecessary panic buying.
Expressing concerns over the spike in fuel sales due to panic, the association clarified that the commercial LPG cylinder shortage affecting certain establishments is unrelated to petrol or diesel supply. Despite the increased demand, fuel supplies remain stable across Tamil Nadu. Dealers have appealed to the public to avoid hoarding fuel and to trust in the regular distribution system to meet their refueling needs without disruptions.
