Bihar’s Call to Ration Fuel Amid Growing Shortage

Late last week, the central government sent out a stark reminder about the nation’s dwindling fuel reserves, warning that continued high demand could spell trouble for daily commuters. In Bihar, the message landed with a particular urgency.

Transport Minister Sudhakar Singh, speaking at a modest press conference in Patna, asked ordinary folks to think twice before filling up their tanks. “We’re all feeling the pinch—prices are up, availability is down,” he said, pausing as a reporter scribbled notes. “If each of us does a little, the whole state breathes easier.”

He didn’t just hand out generic advice. Singh listed simple steps: carpool wherever possible, avoid unnecessary trips, keep engines tuned, and even consider using public transport for short distances. He reminded listeners that the fuel shortage isn’t a distant problem; it’s already affecting school buses, ambulances, and the daily wage workers who rely on two‑wheelers to earn a living.

The minister’s appeal comes after the centre’s own plea for fuel conservation, which cited a surge in demand across the country and limited refinery output due to maintenance work. While the government has pledged to prioritize essential services, the reality on the ground is that even petrol stations in small towns are seeing longer queues.

Local traders, too, have felt the squeeze. “People are buying just enough to get home and back,” said Ramesh Kumar, who runs a fuel kiosk near the railway station. “If we all curb a little, maybe the queues won’t be this long.”

Experts suggest that beyond short‑term habits, the state could look into encouraging electric mobility and expanding the public bus fleet. For now, however, the message is simple: a few mindful choices today could keep the wheels turning tomorrow.