LUCKNOW, March 27 -- Panic buying triggered by rumours of a potential fuel shortage disrupted normal operations at several petrol pumps across Lucknow on Thursday, leading to long queues, 'rationed sales' and temporary shutdowns in multiple localities. The trouble started in prominent areas such as Hazratganj, where pumps like Talwar and Ranjan saw a sudden surge in demand. Commuters reported waiting in queues for hours, with some claiming they had been standing in line since 9am without getting their turn. Many were forced to leave without refuelling due to delays. Residents across areas such as Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar, and Chinhat reported that a sudden surge in demand-fuelled by unverified claims of dwindling supplies-left many filling stations struggling to cope. In some cases, pumps reportedly ran dry temporarily, while others imposed limits on fuel sales to manage the rush. The anxiety appears to have been driven by speculation linking global geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, to possible disruptions in fuel supply chains. The rumours spread rapidly through word-of-mouth and social media, prompting residents to queue up in large numbers to stock up on petrol. At Kamta, there was a long queue of vehicles at a petrol pump. In nearby Matiyari, a private fuel station restricted petrol sales to Rs.200 per two-wheeler, triggering frustration among commuters forced to wait in long lines for limited quantities. Akash Singh, a private sector employee from Vibhuti Khand, said the situation escalated quickly as people began warning each other about an impending shortage. "There is widespread talk that fuel supplies could be hit due to international tensions. That fear has led to panic buying," he said. Similar scenes were reported in Chinhat, where Aryan, another private employee, said several pumps were either closed or functioning with limited reserves. "People are standing in long queues just to get a small amount of petrol. The supply is clearly under strain due to the sudden rush," he said. Residents in Indira Nagar and adjoining areas echoed the concerns. Rahul from Takrohi said rumours about depleting fuel stocks had intensified the panic. "People believe fuel may run out soon, so everyone is trying to fill their tanks at once," he said. Gomti Nagar resident Rinku Kashyap also claimed that multiple pumps appeared to be nearing empty, further fuelling public anxiety. Alok Trivedi, general secretary of the Lucknow Petrol Dealers Association, said there is no shortage of petrol in Lucknow; all the 168 pumps are receiving fuel on demand. Some pump owners, however, attributed some pumps temporarily running dry, to a recent advance payment system adopted by oil companies. Previously, fuel was supplied on credit, but now dealers pay upfront, meaning stocks deplete faster than before. Around seven pumps ran dry at noon because they were buying limited stock. Earlier, the fuel was supplied on credit but now pump owners only order fuel they can pay for in advance. So, the limited fuel purchased finishes within a few hours instead of lasting for days. If the payment system is not improved then things would continue to deteriorate, they said....