Strong buzz at petrol stations; staff expect stiff Rs 15 hike in fuel prices

Anxiety over the reports of a possible sharp hike in fuel prices triggered panic buying, long queues and “No Fuel” boards at several petrol pumps across India as fears over rising global crude oil prices and tensions in West Asia spread rapidly among consumers and fuel retailers.

Reports indicated that petrol and diesel prices in India could be heading for another round of increases soon due to surging crude oil prices, mounting pressure on oil marketing companies (OMCs), government finances and India’s import bill amid escalating tensions in West Asia. India has so far avoided a fuel price shock possibly due to the recently concluded assembly elections in five states.

In a nationwide India Today ground report spanning 15 petrol pumps from Delhi-NCR and Uttar Pradesh to Gujarat, Odisha and Bihar, reporters found visible signs of panic buying amid speculation that fuel prices could rise by Rs 5 to Rs 20 per litre from May 15, with many stations witnessing unusually high footfall and customers opting for full-tank refills fearing an imminent price increase.

DELHI: DIVIDE BETWEEN NATIONAL INTEREST, INFLATION WORRIES

In Delhi, public opinion remained divided over the possible fuel price increase. Neeraj Jain, a commuter, said the country’s economy should remain strong and argued that a moderate increase in fuel prices would be acceptable if it served national interest. Another commuter, however, opposed any hike, saying inflation had already become unbearable while salaries had not increased.

ALWAR: PETROL PUMPS DISPLAY ‘NO FUEL’ BOARDS

In Rajasthan’s Alwar, petrol pump operators reported irregular fuel supplies and said several rural fuel stations had already put up “No Petrol” and “No Diesel” boards. Consumers there feared petrol prices could rise by Rs 5 to Rs 15 per litre, while diesel prices could increase by Rs 10 to Rs 20 per litre.

GURUGRAM: FUEL DEALERS FEARS OF PHASED HIKES

In Gurugram, Petrol Pump Association president Manish Yadav warned that petrol prices could rise by Rs 15 to Rs 20 per litre and diesel by Rs 10 to Rs 15 due to mounting losses faced by oil companies. He said companies were unlikely to pass the full burden on consumers at once and may instead raise prices gradually.

PATNA: 'PETROL LENA MAJBOORI HAI’

In Patna, consumers said they would continue buying fuel out of necessity even if prices increased, but demanded uninterrupted supply. Working professionals expressed concern that higher fuel costs would severely affect middle-class households, transport and business activity.

NOIDA: OPERATORS DISMISS PANIC, SOME CUSTOMERS BACK MOVE

In Noida, petrol pump operator Akshay Dhama said there was currently no disruption in supply and that operations remained normal despite the rumours. Some customers there defended the possibility of a price hike, saying any decision taken in the national interest should be supported.

FARIDABAD: CONSUMERS BRACE FOR INFLATION SHOCK

In Faridabad, petrol pump manager Tarakant Mandal said crude oil prices were rising continuously, and the government had so far been providing subsidies while also appealing for lower fuel consumption, indicating that losses were mounting. People echoed concerns over inflationary pressure.

One of the customers at the fuel station, Rohit, said petrol and diesel prices could rise by Rs 5 to Rs 10 per litre, forcing people to cut down on travelling and riding. Another customer, Taranjyot Singh, warned that higher fuel prices would directly increase transportation costs.

SURAT: LONG QUEUES AT FUEL STATIONS

At a Bharat Petroleum pump in Surat, long queues of vehicles lined up as customers rushed to refill tanks. A bike rider named Sabir said he expected petrol and diesel prices to rise by around Rs 10 per litre. Another customer, Javar Patel, said the atmosphere suggested that the government was preparing to raise fuel prices and added that such a move would trouble ordinary people.

MAHISAGAR: ‘NO STOCK’ SIGNS APPEAR AT PUMPS

In Gujarat’s Mahisagar district, “No Stock” boards appeared at several petrol pumps as customers struggled to procure fuel

VARANASI: CUSTOMERS SAY THEY WILL ADAPT IF PRICES RISE

In Varanasi, petrol pump manager Ashish Patel said prices had not increased yet but added that a hike in the near future remained possible. He also suggested that reduced fuel consumption by the public could help avoid price increases. Consumers there appeared resigned to the possibility of costlier fuel, with one resident saying people would eventually switch to bicycles if prices became unaffordable.

KANPUR: COMMUTERS FEAR PRICES COULD TOUCH RS 150

Kanpur witnessed heavy crowds at petrol stations as consumers rushed to fill full tanks amid fears that fuel prices could rise by Rs 10 to Rs 12 per litre. Some residents even speculated that prices could touch Rs 150 per litre if the global conflict situation worsened. Petrol pump workers said the number of customers surged immediately after rumours of a possible price hike began circulating.

BHUBANESWAR: PUMP OWNERS DISMISS SPECULATION

At Bhubaneswar, a petrol pump manager dismissed the speculation as rumours and said there had been no official communication regarding a price hike. Customers also said they would only believe such claims after a formal government announcement, though many admitted that any increase would make life difficult for the public.

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