The recent fuel crisis sent the country into a frenzy. What began as just a rumour soon became a very real problem as news emerged that fuel shipment was rejected due to substandard quality. The issue worsened when the average Siripala saw longer than usual lines at petrol stations and decided to pump petrol. This, in turn, triggered many others to follow suit, leading to crazy lines and a shortage of fuel.

To add fuel to fire (not that there was much fuel for that at this point), many paid heed to the rumour and pumped petrol asap. The rest of us who didn't were stuck fending for ourselves and fighting amongst peers for that last can of petrol. 

Here are the 8 stages of experiencing a fuel crisis.

1. Receive a heads up
Many of us got either a text or WhatsApp message about the impending fuel crisis. Whatsapp forwards are rife with #fakenews, so of course we overlooked it. In fact, some of us didn't even read the message. Ain't nobody got time for forwards.

2. Have a gut feeling
For those of us that didn't read the message, we still heard of the possibility of a fuel related problem. Our neighbour told us when we were both collecting newspapers, our coworkers mentioned it over coffee. "Mey, didn't you hear about that fuel issue? It's always one thing or the other in this country". Eventually, we were all aware. A gut feeling followed you around like a nagging parent, but you brushed it off.

3. Panic, a little
In the midst of driving maniacally on the road and almost running over jaywalkers, you begin to notice lines at petrol stations. And since us Lankans like to overestimate things, we decide we have enough fuel to last us a few days. The lines are short anyway. You'll just get it later.

4. Freak out
The lines were short just half an hour ago, but now they snake entire blocks! You begin to think about all the things you should have done - read the message for starters and just pumped that damn petrol. But you freak out instead - complain to anyone who'd listen, post on Facebook and Twitter. Nevertheless, you weigh the pros and cons you decide to pump tomorrow - the hype will probably die by then.

5. Full blown panic
You wake up to newspaper headlines showing all the crazy lines. The relevant ministers have asked you to chill - that you have nothing to worry about. Their statements yield the opposite effect - you freak out some more. You rush to check how much petrol your vehicle has, but wait, you're pretty sure you had at least 2 bars more petrol than you have now. Desperation creeps in.

6. Playing the blame game
What bloody nonsense, it's all the government's fault. On top of things, God's punishing us for being such horrible people lately. You also remember the time when that horrible neighbour one house down told you you'll pay for playing loud music late at night. If not for them you may even have had the forethought to pump. You're cursed. There's no other explanation as to why this is happening to you.

7. Hopelessness
You've been in line. For almost four soul-sucking hours. Your petrol is precariously low, just like your now sinking hope. Vehicles are stalling on the roads, left right and centre. You never knew petrol can reduce as fast as it's reducing now. A sweaty 4 hours later (you can't risk turning your AC on although you may actually have a heat stroke. Even the universe is conspiring against you), you finally manage to pump.

8. Rinse and repeat
New petrol rumour spreads yet again. It's fake news, you're sure of that. You ignore it until it's too late and you go through the same cycle again, vow to pay attention next time, and do the same thing all over again.