SHILLONG : Long queues formed outside petrol pumps across Shillong on Friday evening as motorists rushed to refuel following concerns over a possible disruption in petrol supplies to Meghalaya.
The rush came amid the continuing Assam-Meghalaya transport standoff, with movement along the Guwahati-Shillong route affected by the ongoing blockade.
The situation intensified after the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union (NEPMU) announced an indefinite halt to loading and unloading fuel for Meghalaya until peace returns.
By evening, vehicles were lined up at petrol stations in several parts of Shillong, with queues spilling onto roads and adding to traffic congestion. Some pumps were reportedly running dry as motorists stocked up on fuel.
The rush was particularly heavy at some fuel stations, where motorists appeared to be filling their tanks amid uncertainty over how long the transport disruption would continue.
The situation also affected traffic movement, with reports of vehicles being held up around busy petrol pumps. An ambulance was reportedly caught in one such congestion.
Meanwhile, the Food and Civil Supplies Department has directed all Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Officers to ensure adequate fuel reserves for emergency services.
Under the arrangement, petrol pumps have been asked to maintain 5,000 litres of petrol and 5,000 litres of diesel specifically for emergency vehicles.
The department has said normal fuel sales will continue and described the reserve arrangement as a measure to ensure uninterrupted supplies for emergency services.
The panic buying followed reports of restrictions on the movement of passenger and goods vehicles between Assam and Meghalaya, raising concerns among residents about the availability of essential supplies.
