Tirupati: Amid a severe petrol and diesel shortage that has thrown normal life out of gear across Andhra Pradesh, two-wheeler owners in the temple town were in for a surprise when they went for a refill at the Tamapalli IOCL petrol pump in Tirupati on Monday.
The owner, Rommala Rajesh Reddy, is distributing one litre of petrol free to every two-wheeler rider to ease long queues and help commuters facing difficulties. Rajesh, who is also the founder of the Rommala Foundation, said the initiative will continue until queues at the petrol pump are reduced.
Speaking to the media, Rajesh said his organisation focuses on community welfare and safety initiatives. It had earlier distributed 500 free helmets to promote road safety and is now offering free petrol for two-wheelers in the Tirupati region. He added that the foundation has long been engaged in social service and remains committed to continuing its community initiatives.
Rajesh also said the free service would be extended to another fuel station he owns, with special preference for women riders.
Nearly 70 per cent of the state’s 4,510 petrol bunks are facing severe shortages, resulting in long queues at the fuel outlets across AP. Government officials attributed the crisis partly to reduced supply from oil companies amid rising global crude oil prices. The civil supplies department is set to hold a review meeting with oil companies and dealers to address the issue and restore normal supply, before the situation worsens further.
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