Hyderabad: The Telangana government clarified that rumours about a sharp increase in fuel prices triggered panic buying. Officials said the rumours led to a temporary fuel shortage at petrol pumps across the state.
Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said people started purchasing fuel beyond normal requirements after speculation spread about a possible fuel price hike following the West Bengal elections.
As a result, petrol pumps witnessed heavy rush and fuel demand increased sharply during the last three days.
The government said several factors contributed to the situation. Industrial diesel prices reportedly increased to Rs.150 per litre. Consequently, commercial users started depending on regular fuel stations where diesel remained cheaper.
In addition, vehicles from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra also began refuelling in Telangana border districts. As a result, fuel stocks at several outlets were exhausted quickly and many stations displayed “No Stock” boards.
Fuel shortage prompts emergency supply measures
The government said it immediately increased fuel supply across Telangana by 126 percent to stabilise the situation.
Civil Supplies Commissioner M. Stephen Raveendra directed oil companies to speed up supply operations according to rising demand.
Officials deployed 3,100 tankers across the state to maintain uninterrupted fuel movement. According to the government, daily diesel distribution increased by 151 percent by April 27. Petrol distribution also rose by 95 percent.
The minister instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply for farmers and the transport sector during harvesting and paddy procurement operations.
Authorities are reviewing fuel stock levels at petrol pumps every three hours. Meanwhile, officials are dispatching additional tankers to shortage-hit areas.
The Telangana government urged citizens not to believe rumours and assured the public that the state had sufficient fuel reserves.