The Centre on Friday increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre each across the country amid the ongoing global energy crisis linked to the conflict in West Asia and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
In New Delhi, petrol prices increased from Rs 94.77 to Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel prices rose from Rs 87.67 to Rs 90.67 per litre.
Global Crisis Behind Fuel Price Rise
The latest hike comes amid rising crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict and disruptions in global fuel supply chains. Brent crude prices have remained above USD 100 per barrel as tensions continue in West Asia, one of the world’s major energy-producing regions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime trade route for global oil transportation, has also witnessed disruptions, increasing concerns over international fuel supply stability.
Despite the price revision, the Government of India has maintained that there is no shortage of fuel in the country.
Earlier, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had said India has adequate reserves of crude oil, LNG and LPG, and that refineries are operating at optimum capacity to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
Panic Buying Sparks Massive Rush At Petrol Pumps In Odisha
Soon after the fuel price hike announcement, panic buying triggered huge crowds and long queues at petrol pumps across Odisha, especially in Bhubaneswar.
Petrol prices crossed Rs 104 per litre in Bhubaneswar after the revision, while diesel prices crossed Rs 95 per litre. CNG prices were also increased by Rs 2.
Huge queues of bikes, cars and scooters were witnessed outside fuel stations throughout Thursday night in several parts of the city.
At a Bharat Petroleum outlet in Chandrasekharpur, vehicle queues reportedly stretched hundreds of metres onto the main road. Reports also said a limit of Rs 200 worth of petrol per vehicle was imposed amid the rush.
The situation became more severe in Rasulgarh after some petrol pumps temporarily shut operations during the night, forcing commuters to remain in queues till morning.
Commuters Wait For Hours
Many commuters said they waited for several hours to refill fuel amid fears of shortage and further price hikes.
One commuter said, “I first went to the petrol pump near Nandankanan, but a similar situation prevailed there with hundreds of people standing in line. Finally, I came here and have been waiting for the last three hours.”
Another person said, “I have already waited for four hours and may need to wait another three hours. One of my friends even took one litre of petrol from my bike tank for an emergency.”
Auto-rickshaw drivers and app-based bike taxi operators were among the worst affected due to uncertainty surrounding fuel availability.
Odisha Govt Appeals Against Panic Buying
The Odisha government earlier assured that there was no shortage of fuel and appealed to people not to resort to panic buying.
However, rumours regarding possible depletion of fuel stocks and temporary closure of some petrol pumps intensified public anxiety across multiple districts.
Fuel Prices Rise In Major Cities
Fuel prices also increased sharply in several major Indian cities following the revision.
- Delhi: Petrol Rs 97+, Diesel Rs 90+
- Kolkata: Petrol Rs 108.74, Diesel Rs 95.13
- Mumbai: Petrol Rs 106.68, Diesel Rs 93.14
- Chennai: Petrol Rs 103.67, Diesel Rs 95.25
The fuel price hike comes at a time when both the Centre and several state governments have been urging citizens to reduce fuel consumption, adopt public transport and increase the use of electric vehicles to reduce dependence on imported crude oil.
