Sri Lanka, March 2 -- Long queues have emerged at filling stations in Kandy city since yesterday (01) as vehicle owners rush to secure fuel amid fears of a shortage triggered by Middle East tensions.

Many stations displayed "out of stock" notices after fuel dispensing rates spiked to two or three times the usual daily volume.

The surge in demand resulted in queues stretching two to three kilometres, forcing citizens to wait for over three hours.

In response to the situation, filling station management suspended the issuance of fuel into cans and bottles.

Police security was deployed to filling stations to manage the crowds and maintain order.

According to station employees, these heavy queues have persisted since early yesterday mor...