Motorists at several service stations across southeast India reported empty pumps on Sunday, with both petrol and diesel unavailable. The shortage sparked a wave of panic‑buying among truck drivers, who fear an imminent hike in diesel prices will erode their already thin margins.

Industry observers link the scramble to a pending tax adjustment and rising global oil costs that could push diesel rates upward by a noticeable percentage. With freight rates stuck and operating expenses climbing, independent haulers are scrambling to lock in fuel before the expected rise, prompting long queues and empty forecourts.

Local fuel distributors are scrambling to restock, but supply chain bottlenecks and limited storage capacity hinder rapid replenishment. Retailers report that the surge in demand has outpaced deliveries, forcing some stations to temporarily suspend sales while they await fresh shipments.

The episode underscores how sensitive India's logistics sector is to fuel price shocks. With the trucking industry handling roughly 60% of domestic freight, any sustained diesel surge could ripple through supply chains, tightening margins and prompting businesses to reassess transport contracts.