Assam Faces Fuel Panic Buying Amid Government's No-Shortage Claims

• Panic buying of petrol and diesel reported across Assam, including Guwahati, due to social media rumors of fuel shortage.
• Long queues formed at petrol pumps; many in Guwahati displayed 'no fuel' signs or closed after running out of stock.
• Chief Secretary Ravi Kota confirmed no actual shortage, blaming "mischievous elements" for creating panic.
• Officials verified adequate stock with suppliers (IOCL, BPCL, HPCL) and all 35 Guwahati petrol pumps.
• IOCL relaxed payment terms for retailers, and authorities urged normal purchasing to avoid artificial scarcity.