LUCKNOW, March 6 -- Rumours of a sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices triggered panic buying at several fuel stations in parts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday, leading to long queues in some areas before traders clarified that there was no such price hike.

The panic began after messages circulated widely on social media claiming that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East had disrupted crude oil supplies and that petrol and diesel prices would rise by Rs.5 to Rs.10 per litre from midnight. The messages spread rapidly across cities including Lucknow, Pilibhit and Sitapur.

Fearing a price hike, many motorists rushed to nearby petrol pumps to fill their vehicle tanks, resulting in sudden crowding and long queues at fuel stations along se...