Man fills petrol in water tank at Punjab fuel station: ‘Panic buying begins,’ internet reacts

Man seen filling petrol in water tank at fuel station; viral video sparks panic buying debate.

A video from Punjab showing a man filling petrol into a large plastic water storage tank at a fuel station has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread debate about panic buying amid global uncertainty.

The clip began circulating online at a time when unverified rumours about a potential spike in fuel prices were spreading due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. The region plays a critical role in global energy supply, and concerns over disruptions often trigger speculation about price increases.

Take a look at the video

In the viral video, a man arrives at a fuel station carrying a large synthetic water tank typically used for storing water at homes. To the surprise of people present, the fuel station attendant is seen pumping petrol directly into the tank. The unusual scene quickly draws attention, with bystanders pulling out their phones to record the incident.

🚨 A man in Punjab fills 1000 liters of diesel in a water tank amid tensions in the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/VkwmNPFxcb

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The visuals soon spread widely across social media platforms, triggering strong reactions from users who criticised what they described as unnecessary panic buying.

Several users argued that such behaviour reflected misplaced fears about fuel shortages. One commenter said that even if disruptions occur, India’s supply chain for most fuels remains stable due to diversified crude imports. The user pointed out that India has been receiving significant crude supplies from Russia and that tanker shipments from Iran were also continuing.

Another user said the incident demonstrated how quickly panic can spread during geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. The commenter noted that such reactions highlight India’s heavy dependence on Middle Eastern oil and the need to diversify supply sources.

Some social media users responded with humour, joking that the man appeared to be stocking enough diesel for several years after hearing about tensions in the region.

Others, however, raised legal and safety concerns. A number of users questioned whether it was lawful for a fuel station to dispense petrol into such a large storage container. One comment pointed out that petrol pumps often refuse to sell fuel even in small plastic bottles due to safety regulations, and wondered how a container capable of holding hundreds of litres was allowed to be filled.

A few commenters also expressed concern about potential risks associated with storing large quantities of fuel in residential containers and called for authorities to investigate the matter.