Gariaband, May 15 (PTI) Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Friday urged people not to panic over fuel availability and assured of adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and cooking gas.
In a public message issued amid reports of rush at petrol pumps in several districts, Sai said the war-like situation in West Asia was having a global impact and India, too, could not remain completely unaffected.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for judicious use of essential resources, the chief minister urged citizens to curb unnecessary consumption of petrol and diesel and refrain from panic buying.
“I appeal to the people of the state not to pay heed to rumours or panic. There are sufficient reserves of petrol, diesel and gas available in Chhattisgarh. Fuel supplies will continue in the same manner as before,” he said.
Sai said there was no need for anxiety and urged people to act with restraint and responsibility in the larger national interest.
Meanwhile, the administration in Gariaband district on Friday imposed temporary restrictions on the sale of petrol and diesel to prevent hoarding and ensure equitable distribution amid panic buying triggered by rumours of fuel shortage.
As per an order of the Gariaband collector, pumps have been directed to provide fuel worth only up to Rs 300 to two-wheelers and up to Rs 1,000 to four-wheelers until supplies normalise.
“Restricts have been imposed in view of the prevailing situation and apprehensions of hoarding and disorder caused by unnecessary purchases by consumers. Pumps must not sell petrol or diesel in drums, jerry cans or bottles. Strict action will be taken against those violating the directive,” the order said.
Fuel stations must prioritise supply to vehicles engaged in essential services, including ambulances, it added.
Long queues have been witnessed at fuel stations in Raipur and several other cities over the past two days, while some petrol pumps were also seen shut following rumours regarding shortage of petrol and diesel. PTI COR BNM
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