HYDERABAD: Amid rumours of petrol, diesel and LPG shortages that have led to panic buying and long queues across Hyderabad, the state government on Wednesday said there was no shortage of petroleum products.
Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy said stocks were sufficient for the next three months and supply was more than the demand.
He said oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited — have increased supplies. On Wednesday, against a demand of 17,246 kilolitres (KL), supply stood at 17,898 KL, leaving an excess of about 652 KL, he said.
The minister said daily demand has risen by 25% due to panic buying, while supplies are being maintained at 22% above average. “Supply is more than the demand. We are providing excess supply,” he said.
Uttam added that 16,000 KL of buffer stock has been arranged and 1,200 additional tankers deployed. “No stock” boards at some outlets were due to delays in tanker arrivals, not shortages, he said.
Civil supplies, metrology & cops monitor situation
The government has also warned against carrying fuel in cans and containers, calling it illegal and hazardous. “Officials are in the field. Use of containers will not be allowed. OMCs have been instructed,” Uttam said, urging the public not to panic.
He said similar panic buying has been reported in cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Dharwad and Belgaum. He added that CNG and LPG supply chains remain intact, with Strategic Petroleum Reserves sufficient for 60–65 days and support from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
On LPG, the minister said domestic cylinders are available in sufficient quantities, though there are issues with commercial LPG supply, which the state has taken up with the Centre. Authorities have seized 2,952 commercial cylinders for misuse or illegal filling.
Uttam said 596 petrol bunks are operational across Hyderabad. Civil Supplies officials are coordinating with fuel stations, while control rooms are monitoring the situation round the clock along with Legal Metrology and police departments.
Describing the rush as panic-driven, he urged people to avoid hoarding and rumour-mongering. “There is absolutely no need for panic. Petrol, diesel and domestic LPG are in abundant supply,” he said.