LUCKNOW, March 26 -- Social media rumours of a fuel shortage triggered panic, albeit temporarily, in a few districts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, with Ayodhya, Ambedkar Nagar and Balrampur witnessing long queues, capped sales and 'out of stock' notices at petrol pumps. Authorities and industry officials, however, maintained that there is no actual shortage of petrol or diesel and that supply remains stable across the state.

The concern also stemmed from changes in the payment system for petrol and diesel dealers.

Petrol pump operators said a recent directive by oil companies to end the credit (sale period) system and shift to advance payments has altered supply dynamics. Dealers can now procure only as much petrol and diesel as they p...