Amid reports of escalating tensions in West East and Iran’s move to block the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial global oil supply route — panic buying of petrol and diesel was witnessed at fuel stations in parts of Punjab.The concerns intensified after reports that some oil companies had shut down plants following an US–Israel strike on Iran, triggering fears of disruption in global oil supplies. However, authorities and petroleum dealers have assured that there was no long-term shortage of petrol and diesel in the state and that fuel stocks remained adequate. They said the current situation had been caused largely by panic buying rather than any real supply crisis.Sandeep Sehgal, president of the Punjab Petroleum Dealers’ Association, also urged people not to fall prey to rumours circulating on social media. “The petroleum ministry has categorically stated that the country has fuel stocks for the next eight weeks. Our depots are operating smoothly. People should avoid panic buying based on unverified reports on social media,” he said.