Panic buying is draining fuel supplies faster than stations can refill, with motorists topping up repeatedly and filling drums, TotalEnergies warns.
The company has raised concerns over panic buying of fuel, warning that repeated refuelling by motorists and bulk purchases using containers are contributing to sudden shortages at service stations.
Managing director and chief executive Bhavana Samel said the company had already met with station managers to manage supply.
“We had a station manager meeting this morning (yesterday),” Ms Samel said. “We have been sharing with them our strategy.”
She said station operators had reported unusual purchasing patterns.
“They did highlight to us that they have seen some repeat vehicles within a day coming for full tank. People are coming to our stations with jerry cans and big drums maybe five, 10 drums to be filled.
“So, it creates a bit of a sudden shortage because we cannot refuse a car. We can refuse a jerry can or a drum, but we cannot refuse a car.”
She said repeated refuelling was placing pressure on supply.
“So, if the car is refuelling multiple times, then the shortage will come. However, we will push the right quantity.”
Ms Samel said fuel would be prioritised for essential services and genuine commercial needs.
“We do not want to encourage this panic buying… we will give.”
