Port Blair, Mar 16: Rumors of a petrol shortage in Andaman and Nicobar Islands have forced thousands of people to rush to their nearest petrol pump in Port Blair city since yesterday. Even today long queues of two and four wheelers were witnessed at some of the petrol pumps in Port Blair city.

Petrol pump dealers told Andaman Sheekha said that fears of a petrol shortage have forced consumers to buy fuel. Although they clarify that actually there is no shortage and the rumor was spread in social media by unknown people.

Considering the gravity of situation the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has also clarified today that sufficient quantity of Diesel & Petrol is available in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“Next consignment with large quantity in Transit, to reach on 23/24 March.People not to Panic at all,” Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s official twitter handle said today.

Meanwhile the local Administration has also warned stringent action against Rumour Mongers.

It is believed that some people linked two-day nationwide strike of bank unions with shortage of fuel in Andaman and circulated the message in social media, which triggered panic among people of South Andaman region.