One rumor of water scarcity was enough to make people queue up at pumps in Andaman

Port Blair:Rumors of a petrol shortage in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have forced thousands of people to rush to their nearest petrol pump in Port Blair city since yesterday.

Even today long queues of two and four-wheelers were witnessed at most of the petrol pumps in Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Petrol pump dealers told UNI that fears of a petrol shortage have forced consumers to buy fuel. Although they clarify that actually there is no shortage and the rumour was spread on social media by unknown people.

Considering the gravity of the situation the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has also clarified today that sufficient quantity of Diesel & Petrol is available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“Next consignment with large quantity in Transit, to reach on 23/24 March. People not to Panic at all,” Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s official Twitter handle said today.

Meanwhile the local Administration has also warned stringent action against Rumour Mongers.

It is learnt that Indian Oil Sources have also confirmed that sufficient stock of fuel is available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Sources told UNI that some people linked a two-day nationwide strike of bank unions with shortage of fuel in Andaman and circulated the message in social media, which triggered panic among people of the South Andaman region.(UNI)