VASCO
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation amid rising global tensions has triggered public concerns, amid fears of an impending fuel shortage.
In the State too, concerns over petrol and diesel availability gathered pace, both in the streets and on social media, after the PM urged people to reduce dependence on fuel and adopt alternative modes of transport.
However, officials linked to the petroleum supply chain in Goa have firmly ruled out any immediate shortage, assuring that the State currently has adequate reserves and a steady inflow of fresh cargo through Mormugao Port.
Senior officials connected with fuel depots and petroleum distribution in Goa, however, have dismissed the rumours and insisted that there is “absolutely no reason to panic.”
“The fuel situation in Goa is completely stable. We have adequate stock in the depots and supplies are arriving on schedule. There is no disruption at present and citizens should not believe unverified social media messages,” a senior official associated with the sector said.
According to officials, Goa maintains a routine operational buffer stock of approximately 15 days, which is considered sufficient because fresh tanker consignments arrive at regular intervals every month.
“The State generally maintains around 15 days of petrol and diesel stock. This is a standard practice followed in the fuel distribution system and there is nothing unusual about the present situation,” the official explained.
Lifeline through
Mormugao Port
Much of Goa’s fuel economy revolves around tanker vessel operations linked to Mormugao Port, where petrol, diesel and aviation fuel cargoes arrive regularly for distribution across the State.
Officials said the supply chain remains uninterrupted despite tensions in West Asia.
“We usually receive three tanker vessels every month carrying petrol and diesel consignments required for Goa. The cycle of incoming shipments is continuing normally and therefore there is no concern regarding supply,” the official added.
On average, each tanker vessel reportedly carries nearly 10,000 metric tonnes of diesel and approximately 8,000 metric tonnes of petrol, though the quantity varies depending on storage capacity available at fuel depots.
Sources further disclosed that tanker vessel ‘Hari Leela’ is currently scheduled to arrive from Kochi carrying around 7,000 metric tonnes of motor spirit (petrol), while another vessel, ‘Sanmar Sitar’, is expected to bring nearly 5,000 metric tonnes of aviation turbine fuel from Mumbai.
The arrival of these consignments, officials said, further strengthens the State’s fuel reserves.
Social media panic
draws criticism
Officials also expressed concern over the speed at which misinformation spreads online during sensitive global developments.
“People should avoid panic buying or rushing to fuel stations based on rumours. The supply chain is functioning normally and all scheduled cargo movements are continuing,” an official said.
Interestingly, several fuel stations in parts of Goa witnessed a temporary rise in customers shortly after clips of the Prime Minister’s speech began circulating online, although there were no reports of any actual shortage.
For now, Goa’s message remains clear — global tensions may have triggered caution, but the State’s fuel tanks are far from running dry.
