India is witnessing panic buying of fuel, with long queues reported at several petrol bunks in Chennai as motorists rush to fill their tanks. In viral footage circulating online, a man can be seen filling petrol into a plastic water can along with his bike’s tank, apparently to store fuel for later use. In Chennai’s Tirumangalam, a petrol bunk displayed a “No Petrol” notice after supplies ran dry, while similar shortages were reported at some pumps in Tiruchirappalli. Authorities say there is no official fuel shortage and attribute the situation to panic-driven demand. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has urged the public not to panic.

Source: Indian Express March 12, 2026 15:35 UTC