India, March 27 -- BENGALURU/AHMEDABAD/LUCKNOW/PANAJI: Panic buying of fuel triggered long queues outside petrol pumps across several states, with some outlets resorting to rationing, amid concerns over supplies linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis. The central government, however, said on Thursday that India has about 60 days of fuel stock cover and dismissed reports of shortages as a "deliberate misinformation campaign" aimed at triggering panic buying.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, in a statement, said, "Nearly two months of steady supply is available for every Indian citizen, regardless of what happens globally. Any representation that India's reserves are depleted or insufficient should be dismissed with the disdain i...