Amaravati, April 26 (RAHNUMA): Responding to reports of closure of petrol bunks across the state caused by shortages in petrol and diesel supply due to panic buying, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu directed district collectors to immediately implement an action plan to address the issue.
He instructed the officials to submit a report by this evening on the measures taken by various departments and the progress in resolving the problem.
The Chief Minister held a teleconference with Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials to assess the situation.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that out of the total 4,510 fuel outlets in the state, nearly 421 petrol bunks had been shut due to lack of supply.
Although fuel supply has increased by 10 per cent compared to earlier levels, panic buying has led to heavy rush at many outlets.
The officials said under normal circumstances, daily sales in the state stands at an average 6,330 kilolitres of petrol and 9,048 kilolitres of diesel. However, due to public concern over fuel shortages, fuel purchases have risen sharply. On Saturday alone, sales touched 10,345 kilolitres of petrol and 14,156 kilolitres of diesel.
Officials explained that the sudden increase of over 50 percent in sales has caused stocks to deplete rapidly at several outlets. Despite enhanced supply, consumers are facing long queues and inconvenience because of panic-driven purchases.They also informed the Chief Minister that bulk purchases in drums by the aqua sector were creating additional pressure on supplies.
Reacting on the present situation at petrol bunks, the Chief Minister directed officials to monitor the situation continuously to resolve the problem.
