State Government Appeals to Citizens to Avoid Panic Buying Amid West Asia Situation
TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 22, 2026: Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Chhattisgarh Government has clarified that petrol and diesel are in adequate supply across the state. According to the Food Department, as of May 22, 2026, a total stock of 4.35 crore litres of petrol and 8.15 crore litres of diesel is available at 2,516 petrol and diesel pumps operating across the state.
The department informed that fuel supply to the state is continuing without interruption. On May 21 alone, Chhattisgarh received 32.52 lakh litres of petrol and 57.60 lakh litres of diesel. Oil company depots located at Lakholi, Mandir Hasaud, and Gopalpur are supplying fuel to the districts as per demand.
Officials stated that diesel demand has increased due to Rabi crop harvesting activities and preparations for the upcoming Kharif season. Keeping this in view, additional supply arrangements have been made to ensure “smooth and uninterrupted fuel availability” across the state.
*Sale of Fuel in Drums and Jerrycans Prohibited, Farmers Exempted
Under an order issued by the state government on May 22, the sale of petrol and diesel in drums, bottles, and jerrycans has been prohibited with immediate effect at all fuel stations in the state. Violations will be treated as “unauthorised sale” under the Motor Spirit and High Speed Diesel Order, 2005, and action will be taken under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.
However, exemptions have been provided for farmers during the Rabi and Kharif agricultural seasons, government construction works identified by district collectors, and essential services such as hospitals and mobile towers. In such cases, fuel sales will be permitted after verification by the Sub-Divisional Officer and in accordance with the prescribed safety standards.
*Government Urges Public Not to Purchase Fuel in Panic
The Secretary of the Food Department convened a review meeting with all oil companies on May 20 and directed officials to ensure immediate replenishment of stocks at fuel stations experiencing dry-out.
The state government has appealed to the public not to be influenced by rumours or engage in panic buying and fuel hoarding. Officials stated that all necessary arrangements have been made to maintain “stable and efficient fuel supply management” throughout Chhattisgarh. See here the order
