Hyderabad, March 25 (RAHNUMA): Amid widespread rumours triggering long queues at fuel stations, Telangana civil supplies minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday assured that there is “no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG” in the state, urging citizens to avoid panic buying.
Addressing the media alongwith Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra, the Minister said fuel stocks are adequate for over three months, with supplies currently exceeding demand. He revealed that oil companies – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) – have significantly ramped up deliveries. On Wednesday, 17,898 KL of fuel was supplied against a demand of 17,246 KL, creating a surplus.
Despite a 25% spike in demand due to panic buying, supplies have been maintained 22% above normal levels, ensuring uninterrupted availability. An additional 16,000 KL buffer stock and 1,200 extra tankers have been deployed. “Supply is more than demand”, Uttam claimed, clarifying that occasional “no stock” signs at fuel stations are due to ‘logistical delays’, not shortages.
The Minister warned against the use of cans and containers to store fuel, calling it ‘illegal and dangerous’, with strict enforcement already underway.
All 596 petrol bunks in Hyderabad are operational, with officials conducting field inspections and monitoring supplies through 24/7 control rooms in coordination with Legal Metrology, Police and Civil Supplies officials.
As for LPG, while domestic LPG supply remains stable, the Minister acknowledged issues with commercial LPG cylinders, with the state taking up the matter with the Centre. Authorities have seized 2,952 illegally used commercial cylinders so far.
Calling the situation “purely panic-driven”, Uttam urged the people to ignore rumours and avoid hoarding, assuring that fuel and LPG supplies remain robust across Telangana. “There is absolutely no need for panic”, he emphasised.
