Two youths were arrested by Mal Maruti police after a scuffle broke out over petrol near a fuel station.
Panic buying of petrol continued across Belagavi and nearby towns on Wednesday, even as authorities reassured the public that there is no shortage.
Long queues were reported at petrol pumps in Belagavi, Bailhongal, Hukkeri, Gokak, and other areas, though the rush was comparatively lower than in the previous two days.
In Belagavi, Mal Maruti police intervened and arrested two youths following a dispute over petrol near a station.
Meanwhile, in Davangere, officials clarified that there is no shortage of fuel or domestic LPG cylinders.
Deputy Commissioner G.M. Gangadharaswamy stated that there is adequate availability of cooking gas, petrol, and diesel in the district, and urged people not to panic or hoard cylinders. He added that commercial cylinders are also being supplied without disruption.
He noted that initial issues with commercial cylinder supply due to the West Asia conflict have now been resolved, and adequate stock is available. Around 182 commercial cylinders are being booked daily, with sufficient reserves for nine days, and regular supply is being maintained. He advised consumers to use cooking gas judiciously and encouraged the use of biogas in rural areas. He also warned that strict action would be taken against those spreading rumours on social media.
According to officials, 41 gas agencies of Hindustan Petroleum, Bharat Petroleum and Indian Oil Corporation reported that 9,427 out of 9,546 booked cylinders are being delivered daily, mostly within 24 hours. The agencies also observed that daily bookings have risen to around 46,345, reflecting increased public concern.
There are 220 petrol stations in the district with adequate petrol and diesel stock, and LPG supply for autorickshaws has also resumed. Authorities urged people not to believe rumours circulating online.
The Union government has assured that the country has sufficient fuel reserves for the next five months. Fuel is being supplied daily to Davangere from Mangalore. Officials also noted that some people are attempting to store fuel in cans, and petrol pumps have been instructed not to fill such containers.
Enforcement teams conducted inspections at hotels and shops for misuse of domestic cylinders and seized 90 cylinders. Action was also taken against a centre involved in illegally refilling domestic cylinders for autorickshaws.
