Unusual scenes unfolded across several parts of Chennai as motorists rushed to petrol bunks following rumours of an impending fuel shortage. Long queues were reported in neighbourhoods such as Velachery, Perungudi, OMR Road, and the SRP Tools junction area, with residents attempting to fill their vehicle tanks and even store fuel in containers.
Footage received from residents in Perungudi, Velachery, OMR Road and the SRP Tools junction shows long queues at petrol bunks as commuters rush to refuel amid rumours of a fuel shortage.
According to reports, the sudden rush was triggered by speculation circulating on social media that fuel supplies could be disrupted due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. These rumours prompted many vehicle owners to visit petrol stations late at night or early morning to avoid possible shortages.
Fuel dealers, however, clarified that there is no actual shortage of petrol or diesel in Tamil Nadu and that supply chains are functioning normally. Industry representatives warned that panic buying itself can create artificial shortages by temporarily overwhelming fuel stations with demand.
• Affected areas: Velachery, Perungudi, OMR Road, SRP Tools junction
• Sales spike: Daily petrol at one station jumped from 13,000–16,000 litres to ~26,000 litres
• Trigger: Social media rumours about West Asia tensions affecting supply
• Reality: No actual shortage; supply chains functioning normally
Situation in Local Areas
Perungudi / OMR Corridor
Residents along the IT corridor reported unusually long queues at petrol pumps, especially during early morning hours. Many commuters heading to IT offices stopped to refuel, fearing that supplies could run out later in the day.
Velachery
Videos circulating online showed large crowds gathering at petrol pumps. In some instances, people were seen filling petrol into plastic cans or containers, raising safety concerns among fuel station operators.
SRP Tools Junction
Traffic congestion increased near petrol bunks in this busy intersection area as vehicles queued for refuelling, slowing down regular traffic movement along the OMR–Adyar stretch.
Impact on Daily Life
The panic buying created temporary disruptions across the city: longer waiting times at petrol bunks, increased traffic congestion near fuel stations, safety concerns due to fuel storage in containers, and pressure on fuel distribution logistics.
Experts say such situations are often driven more by psychological behaviour than real supply shortages. When people see others stocking up, they tend to follow the same behaviour, leading to sudden spikes in demand.
Fuel dealers maintain that petrol pumps have multiple days of inventory and receive regular supplies from depots. Officials warn that filling fuel in plastic cans or containers is dangerous. There is no immediate shortage expected.
Conclusion
The scenes witnessed across Chennai appear to be a classic example of rumour-driven panic buying, where fear of scarcity leads to behaviour that temporarily strains supply systems. Authorities continue to assure residents that fuel availability remains normal and that there is no immediate shortage expected.
Sources: Reports from fuel dealers, industry representatives, and resident footage from Perungudi, Velachery, OMR Road and SRP Tools junction (March 2026).
