Hyderabad: Fuel availability across Telangana improved on Thursday after a four-day disruption, with the Telangana Petrol Dealers Association stating that supplies would be restored to all outlets by the end of the day. The shortage, triggered by panic buying, is nearing resolution, though some petrol pumps had run dry earlier.
Civil supplies commissioner M. Stephen Raveendra directed oil marketing companies to increase petrol and diesel supplies by 10 to 15 per cent across the state. He instructed round-the-clock distribution, including on Sundays and holidays, to prevent shortages during the ongoing rabi harvesting season.
Officials said the surge in demand followed rumours of post-election price hikes and panic buying, including from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. They added that diversion by commercial users due to the price difference between industrial diesel, priced at ₹150 per litre, and retail diesel at ₹95 per litre, also contributed to localised shortages.
According to the civil supplies department, daily diesel distribution rose by 190 per cent to 21,295 kilolitres, while petrol supply increased by 118 per cent. Oil marketing companies are currently supplying 34,170 kilolitres of fuel daily, marking a 158 per cent increase over the average.
The commissioner said fuel supply for harvesters and essential transport has been secured to ensure the rabi season is not affected. He directed that “No Stock” boards should not be displayed at outlets, with officials monitoring stock levels every four hours.
He said joint teams of civil supplies, revenue and police departments are conducting inspections to check black marketing and diversion. Checkposts have also been set up at state borders to prevent vehicles from entering Telangana solely to procure fuel.
District-level committees are monitoring supplies, and a toll-free helpline, 1967, has been activated for public grievances.
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