The Narmadapuram fuel shortage triggered panic buying and long queues across petrol pumps on Tuesday evening after several filling stations in the city reported depleted petrol and diesel stocks.
Motorists waited for up to two hours to refuel their vehicles as fuel supply disruptions affected operations at multiple outlets. Three petrol pumps, including the police welfare pump, reportedly remained dry for the last two days, while a Bharat Petroleum outlet near the BJP office ran out of regular petrol by Tuesday evening.
Pump operators blamed delayed tanker arrivals and reduced supply from depots for the disruption.
Narmadapuram fuel shortage hits commuters
Narmadapuram has around eight petrol pumps within city limits and nearby areas. While pumps located outside the city continued operations, several urban outlets struggled to meet demand due to falling stock levels.
“Tankers from the depot are not arriving on time, because of which fuel stocks have been exhausted,” staff members at a local petrol pump said.
At present, regular petrol in Narmadapuram costs Rs 114.67 per litre, while premium speed petrol is priced at Rs 124.05 per litre. With regular petrol unavailable at some outlets, several vehicle owners were forced to purchase the more expensive premium fuel.
However, district food and civil supplies officer Neeta Kori denied reports of a wider fuel crisis and said authorities were seeking information from pump operators regarding the temporary disruptions.
Fuel prices rise for fourth time this month
The fuel shortage comes amid repeated fuel price hikes across Madhya Pradesh. Oil marketing companies increased petrol prices by Rs 2.61 per litre and diesel by Rs 2.71 per litre on 25 May, marking the fourth increase this month.
Since 15 May, petrol and diesel prices in the state have risen by nearly Rs 8 per litre cumulatively.
In Bhopal, petrol is currently priced at Rs 114.65 per litre and diesel at Rs 99.74 per litre. Ujjain remains among the costliest cities for fuel in Madhya Pradesh.
Rising diesel prices may impact inflation
Transporters and traders fear the latest fuel price surge could increase freight charges, vegetable prices and public transport fares in the coming days.
Experts say higher diesel costs may also raise farming expenses as tractors and irrigation pumps become more expensive to operate.
The recent hike has largely been linked to volatility in global crude oil markets following geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States.
For more updates on inflation, fuel prices and Madhya Pradesh politics, visit Vision MP Madhya Pradesh.
