Messages on social media platforms that petrol pumps will not work for two days starting Tuesday (March 24, 2026), led to panic buying of fuel across Belagavi city and surrounding areas.As rumours began spreading from Monday (March 23) night, long queues of vehicles, especially two-wheelers, were seen in front of petrol stations.In a few hours, several stations closed shutters or put up signs of ‘No Stock’.The lines did not seem to shorten even on March 24 morning. While some petrol pumps in Tilakwadi did not open at all, some on Rupali talkies cross, Azam Nagar and Gandhi Nagar displayed ‘No Stock’ boardsEven as commuters began driving from one station to another in search of petrol, some residents who live in border villages like Hindalga or Jamboti began driving to Goa to get their tanks filled.Commuters flocked to petrol pumps in Belagavi city following a social media scare that pumps would be closed for two days. | Photo Credit: BADIGER PKNo fuel shortage, say authoritiesMeanwhile, a few PSU oil companies like HPCL issued clarifications saying there was no fuel shortage. A social media post from HPCL said that fuel supply was normal and storage was adequate and that there was no cause for worry.Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan and Food and Civil Supplies Separtment officials clarified that there was no shortage of cylinders and fuel in the district.Mr. Roshan told reporters in Belagavi that there was no no need to panic. “As of now, there is no shortage of domestic cylinders and fuel anywhere in the district. If any area suffers from a scarcity, the stock will be replenished in just five hours,” he said. He said that the sudden rush in petrol pumps was due to a scare created on social media by rumour-mongers.“We have held discussions with the fuel supply company and bunk owners, and they have confirmed that there is no shortage of fuel anywhere,” Mr. Roshan added.City Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulab Rao warned against spreading false rumours on social media. “The public should cooperate with the administration and pump owners, and not heed rumours,” he said. He also urged people to inform the police of any illegality or disturbance by dialling 112 or inform the nearest police station.He said the sale of fuel in bottles and cans was not allowed and that strict action would be taken to prevent illegal fuel storage and sales.M.R. Mallikarjun, Deputy Director of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, and Ajay Pai, President of the Hotel Owners Association, were present.Published - March 24, 2026 12:16 pm IST