Gandhinagar: Amid long lines at petrol pumps, the Gujarat government on Monday issued a circular stating that there is sufficient stock of petrol and diesel in the state and warned against panic buying triggered by rumours circulating on social media and other platforms. Authorities said fuel supply from refineries and depots is continuing normally, and strict instructions have been issued to prevent hoarding and artificial shortage.

According to the circular issued by the Food and Civil Supplies Department, reports of panic buying have emerged in some parts of the state due to misinformation, but there is no shortage of fuel. All major depots and refineries are regularly supplying petrol and diesel to petrol pumps across Gujarat.

To avoid unnecessary stockpiling, the government has directed that petrol and diesel should normally be sold only for filling vehicle fuel tanks, and petrol pumps should not sell fuel in cans, bottles, barrels, or any other containers. However, the government has issued certain relaxations through an amendment circular today, keeping in view the needs of the agricultural sector and telecom companies.

As per the amended provisions, farmers are allowed to obtain fuel in open containers or barrels for use in tractors, pump sets, and other agricultural purposes, with a maximum limit of 200 litres per farmer. Dealers have been instructed to verify that the purchaser is a farmer before supplying fuel.

The circular also states that authorized telecom (mobile tower) companies may obtain diesel in barrels for generator sets used at mobile towers to ensure uninterrupted mobile and internet services. Such companies are allowed to purchase up to 1,000 litres at a time upon submission of a valid purchase order by an authorized representative.

However, for all other private vehicle drivers, the earlier rule remains unchanged, and fuel will be supplied only in the vehicle tank under all circumstances.

The circular further warned that strict legal action will be taken against any dealer found creating an artificial shortage, hoarding fuel, or violating the instructions. Such action will be taken under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Officials have urged citizens not to believe rumours and to avoid panic buying, assuring that adequate fuel stock is available across the state. DeshGujarat