GORAKHPUR, May 28 -- In an effort to curb panic buying and hoarding of petrol and diesel, the district administrations of Sant Kabir Nagar and Maharajganj on Wednesday imposed restrictions on fuel sales. Authorities in Sant Kabir Nagar have directed petrol pumps to operate only for 14 hours a day to ensure adequate fuel availability amid the ongoing supply shortage. District supply officer Rajeev Kumar said the restrictions were introduced to prevent black marketing and maintain smooth fuel distribution across the district. Under the new directives, petrol pumps in Sant Kabir Nagar will remain open from 7am to 9 pm. Fuel sale limits have also been fixed for different categories of vehicles and consumers. "Petrol pump operators have been instructed to strictly adhere to the prescribed timings and quantity limits. These measures are aimed at preventing unnecessary stockpiling and ensuring equitable distribution of fuel," Kumar said. According to the order, buses and trucks will be supplied 30-40 litres of fuel, while cars and jeeps can purchase a maximum of 15-20 litres. Tractors and trolleys will be allowed up to 30 litres of diesel, while motorcycles and scooters can obtain up to three litres of petrol. The administration has also banned the sale of petrol in cans, bottles and jerrycans. Diesel sales in containers have been restricted to 15 litres, and buyers will be required to produce valid farmer registration documents for agricultural use. Officials said the restrictions became necessary after several fuel stations in the district reported supply shortages in recent weeks amid increased demand during the farming and wedding season. Petrol pump operators had earlier alleged that fuel supplies to the district had declined significantly, triggering panic buying and long queues at filling stations. Meanwhile, the Maharajganj district administration has imposed fresh restrictions on diesel sales, limiting the quantity sold in cans to a maximum of five litres to prevent hoarding and black marketing amid reports of panic buying and fuel shortages. According to official directives issued to petrol pump operators, diesel and petrol will not be sold in large quantities in containers without proper verification. Authorities maintained that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in the district and appealed to residents not to panic. Administrative teams have also warned of strict action against black marketing and illegal fuel storage....