Tripura Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury assured sufficient petrol, diesel, and essential commodity stocks for coming days amid panic buying in Agartala. The government warned against black marketing and appealed to residents not to spread rumours over fuel shortages.
Sushanta Chowdhury on Thursday assured residents that there is no fuel crisis in Tripura and stated that the state currently has enough petrol and diesel stock to meet demand for at least the next 15 days. He also confirmed that additional fuel consignments are already on the way to the state.
The minister’s statement came amid growing public concern and panic buying reported from several fuel stations across Agartala. Long queues were seen outside many petrol pumps after several outlets allegedly stopped fuel supply and displayed notices reading “No Petrol” and “No Diesel,” creating anxiety among residents.
In response to the situation, the Food and Civil Supplies Department convened an urgent meeting with senior department officials and representatives of petroleum agencies to assess the availability of fuel and essential commodities across the state.
Addressing the media after the high-level meeting, Sushanta Chowdhury appealed to the public not to believe rumours circulating on social media and other platforms. He urged citizens not to engage in panic buying, warning that such behaviour could unnecessarily worsen the situation.
“We have sufficient stock of petrol and diesel in the state for at least the next 15 days. Additional supplies are arriving regularly. There is no reason for panic,” the minister said while briefing reporters.
Despite the government’s assurance, several petrol pumps in different areas of Agartala reportedly continued displaying notices claiming that fuel was unavailable. The development triggered further public concern, with many residents alleging that some fuel stations were creating artificial scarcity to encourage panic and increase profits through illegal practices.
The minister strongly warned against any form of black marketing, hoarding, or deliberate disruption of fuel distribution. He directed officials to monitor the market closely and take strict legal action against any individual or business found involved in unethical activities related to fuel supply.
Apart from fuel availability, the government also reviewed the stock position of essential commodities under the Public Distribution System (PDS) and in the open market. Officials informed the meeting that adequate food grain and grocery supplies are available across the state for the coming weeks.
According to official data shared during the review, rice stock under the PDS is currently sufficient for the next 84 days, while wheat stock can last for 57 days. Sugar stock is available for 28 days, masoor dal for 34 days, and salt for seven days. Authorities added that a fresh consignment of salt is expected to arrive by Saturday, which would further stabilize supply.
The government also released stock figures for the open market. Officials claimed that rice stock in the general market is sufficient for 84 days, edible oil for 87 days, onion for 32 days, potato for 18 days, wheat for 37 days, sugar for 31 days, and salt for as many as 122 days.
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The minister reiterated that the state administration is closely monitoring the overall supply chain situation and maintaining constant coordination with petroleum companies and transport agencies to ensure uninterrupted movement of fuel and essential goods into Tripura.
The latest assurance from the government is expected to ease public concern as authorities continue efforts to prevent panic buying and maintain normal supply across the state.
