Residents across Guwahati are increasingly finding themselves cornered into purchasing costlier high-octane fuel as the regular variant often vanishes from petrol station pumps. This growing trend has sparked frustration among the city's motorists, who are forced to stretch their already tight budgets to accommodate this unwelcome change.
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In areas such as Ganeshguri, Lalganesh, Zoo Road and along GS Road, petrol stations have developed a habit of declaring regular fuel as "out of stock," conveniently leaving only the more expensive, high-octane alternatives available. While high-octane fuel boasts some advantages for high-performance vehicles, the majority of the public finds these benefits irrelevant, particularly when the additional cost is beyond their financial reach.
An employee at a local refuelling station, speaking on the condition of anonymity, attempted to justify the situation, stating, "The normal fuel gets over quickly due to the high demand. So we provide whatever is available. The price may be more, but it also has some pros." This explanation, however, rings hollow for many of Guwahati's residents, who argue that the situation is more a matter of profiteering than a genuine shortage.
"I drive a simple family car; I don't need premium fuel. But when I go to refuel, they tell me regular fuel is out, and I'm left with no choice but to pay more," said one frustrated motorist. "It's becoming a regular occurrence, and it's clear they are doing this on purpose to make extra money."
Despite these concerns, authorities have done little to address the issue. An official from Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) offered a standard explanation, saying, "We provide both segments of fuel and it is up to the customer's choice what they will refuel. There might be a situation where the stock gets NIL before the estimated time, and restocking takes some time. Only during those times do customers buy the fuel if they are in an emergency."
Yet, this explanation does little to appease the public, many of whom believe that fuel stations are deliberately creating shortages of regular fuel to push the more expensive option. The growing suspicion that this trend is driven by profit margins rather than genuine supply issues has left Guwahati's motorists feeling cheated and abandoned by the authorities.
As fuel prices continue to rise and wages remain stagnant, the extra burden of purchasing high-octane fuel is one that many residents simply cannot afford. The silence from regulators only serves to deepen the public's frustration, as the perception grows that those in power are either unwilling or unable to reign in the profiteering tendencies of the city's fuel suppliers.
In the face of mounting public anger, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take action to ensure that Guwahati's motorists can access the fuel they need at a fair price—or whether they will continue to allow fuel stations to operate unchecked, leaving residents to bear the brunt of the cost.