Bokaro: Queues outside petrol pumps disappeared, and the city returned to normal on Monday after the district administration’s warning to crack down on rumour-mongers a day earlier eased panic buying. As panic buying eased, petrol pump operators breathed a sigh of relief and fuel supply stabilised across the district.The district had witnessed tension after misleading posts on social media sparked fears of a fuel shortage. The rumours led hundreds of vehicle owners to rush to petrol pumps, causing crowding and anxiety. The administration, however, stepped in quickly with repeated assurances, helping restore calm.On May 16, deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha clarified that Bokaro has enough petrol and diesel stock for the next two to three months. Jha urged residents not to believe rumours and to continue fuel consumption as usual.Jha held a review meeting with representatives of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL to assess storage and supply arrangements.He told TOI, “I have directed cyber police and sub-divisional officers to continuously monitor social media platforms and take legal action against anyone spreading misinformation, fake reels or panic-inducing content.”Fuel station operators said the warning had an immediate impact. Utpal Mukherjee, owner of Usha Petrol Pump, said, “There is no queue now. Footfall is completely normal. The DC’s strong stand against rumours helped control panic buying at petrol pumps.”
