CHENNAI: Rumours about possible halt of sale of petrol and diesel due to the West Asia crisis triggered widespread panic buying since Wednesday night across Tamil Nadu, particularly in Chennai, leading to serpentine queues at several fuel stations. According to the Tamil Nadu Petrol Dealers Association, the average daily sale, which had already risen by 15% to 20% on Wednesday, surged by 50% to 70% on Thursday. Of the nearly 7,000 fuel outlets in Tamil Nadu, around 700 (10%) are operated by private companies. In contrast, public sector oil companies like IOCL, BPCL, and HPCL continue fuel sale regardless of price fluctuations in the global market. On Thursday, staff at Shell petrol bunks in Korattur and Mogappair East told TNIE that their fuel stocks were running low and could turn dry anytime soon.

Source: Indian Express March 13, 2026 10:13 UTC