Lucknow, March 27 -- Panic buying triggered by rumours and speculation about a potential hike in petrol and diesel prices led to long queues at petrol pumps in select centres in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday. Some pumps in Lucknow ran dry, resulting in even longer lines at others. The panic, which began in Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar, and Bahraich on Wednesday, spilled over to other cities, including the state capital, on Thursday. Reports from Prayagraj, Deoria, Sultanpur, Gonda, and Gorakhpur, too, said people rushed to fuel stations fearing an imminent price hike. In some locations, petrol and diesel stocks were reported to have run dry, while elsewhere, people were seen carrying large containers to stockpile fuel. This situation arose despite oil companies claiming they had enough stock in their depots to last 20 days. Rumours, possibly linked to fears of COVID-era challenges, further fuelled the situation. However, fuel supply was reported to be normal in Agra and Kanpur. Sanjay Bhandari, coordinator for oil companies in Uttar Pradesh, stated that there is no shortage, with sufficient stock available for over three weeks. Pump operators also reiterated that supplies remain normal and urged citizens not to panic. He said, "There are 13,168 petrol pumps in Uttar Pradesh and company depots have around 20 to 22 days of fuel stored with them easily. Don't understand how this rush was initiated." In Lucknow, residents across areas such as Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Indira Nagar, and Chinhat said 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, while others imposed limits on fuel sales to manage the rush. In prominent areas such as Hazratganj, 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 9 am. Many were forced to leave without refuelling due to delays. 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. Private fuel retailer Nayara Energy reportedly increased petrol prices by Rs.5.30 per litre and diesel by Rs.3 per litre in the state, pushing petrol prices in Lucknow above Rs.100 per litre. In Prayagraj, panic buying was witnessed from Wednesday night into Thursday after rumours of a petrol and diesel shortage spread quickly, triggering long queues at fuel stations in areas such as Alopibagh, Sohbatiyabagh, Civil Lines, Kareli and Meerapur. Lines spilled onto roads and caused traffic disruptions as anxious residents rushed to top up tanks, even when half full, fearing supply disruptions. Similar scenes were reported in rural pockets, while pump staff sought police help to manage crowds, and many consumers cited social media messages and uncertainty as reasons for the rush. In Bahraich, rumours of a petrol and diesel shortage triggered a sudden rush at fuel stations across both urban and rural areas from Wednesday night. Despite the surge, district officials and fuel operators clarified that supplies remain adequate and uninterrupted across all 121 petrol pumps. Panic-driven demand disrupted normal operations across Ambedkar Nagar on Thursday, with several petrol pumps displaying "no fuel" signs and large crowds overwhelming available outlets. Long queues, arguments among customers, and mismanagement were reported. Fuel fuel stations in areas such as Baskhari, Jalalpur and Jahangirganj reported running out of petrol and diesel since Wednesday night. In some locations like Bariyawan and Kichhauchha, petrol remained available but diesel stocks were exhausted, leaving farmers struggling. Pump operators imposed limits of Rs.200 for two-wheelers and Rs.500 for cars to manage the surge. In Shravasti, authorities imposed restrictions on filling fuel in containers, triggering protests by farmers who briefly blocked a national highway before being pacified by police. The oil companies have appealed to the public for sensible consumption and to avoid panic buying, while hoarding should be strictly avoided. A report from Lakhimpur Kheri said rationing of petrol and diesel was observed at some pumps. At a petrol pump in Lakhimpur Kheri, the two-wheelers were allowed petrol worth Rs 200 at a time while four-wheelers were given fuel worth Rs 500 to ensure that every vehicle owner received the fuel to commute. Similar restrictions over purchase of fuel were reported to have been observed in some other parts of the district, including rural areas of Kasta, Behjam, Nighasan, Singahi etc. Abhishek Dixit, district president of Kheri Petroleum Dealers' Association (KPDA), blamed the oil companies for delaying the supply to Kheri dealers. He added that oil companies had dispensed with the DoD (draft in demand) system, in which supply was made after placement of demand and payment was made the same evening, and that the companies had introduced the 'cash and carry system' of payment before supply. Dixit said everything would be normal if companies ensured supply of stock within the time they did earlier. District supply officer (DSO) Anjani Kumar Singh told Hindustan Times that "adequate stock of petrol and diesel was available in Kheri and all petrol pump owners had been instructed to ensure that their petrol pumps did not go dry."...