Agartala, May 15: Amid panic buying and long queues outside petrol pumps across Agartala, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday said there is no fuel crisis in the state and asserted that the recent increase in fuel prices was “natural” in view of the prevailing international situation, though the hike has remained minimal due to close monitoring by the Central government.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the state-level ASHA workers’ convention at the International Indoor Exhibition Centre in Hapania, Saha urged people not to indulge in panic buying or hoarding of petrol.
“I have noticed the long queues outside petrol pumps. As of now, we have adequate petrol stock available. There is no reason to panic or store fuel unnecessarily. People should purchase only as much as required for their vehicles,” he said.
Referring to global developments affecting fuel movement and supply chains, the Chief Minister said tensions and disruptions in the Hormuz region have created a difficult international environment, particularly as India depends heavily on imported fuel.
“Under the present circumstances, some increase in fuel prices is very natural. But the hike has not been much. The Central government is keeping the entire situation in mind and monitoring it closely before taking decisions,” Saha said.
Long queues were witnessed at several fuel stations in Agartala since Friday morning following public concern over possible supply disruptions and rising fuel prices, though authorities maintained that there is no immediate shortage in Tripura.
