Chaos erupted at petrol stations in Hyderabad as rumors of fuel scarcity linked to the West Asia conflict sparked panic buying among customers. Long queues of vehicles were observed at retail outlets in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and surrounding areas, despite assurances from authorities about sufficient fuel stocks. The rush led to traffic congestion, with motorists waiting for hours to refuel their vehicles.
The frenzy extended to various parts of Telangana, including Medak, Mahabubnagar, and Warangal, where similar scenes of panic buying unfolded. The Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association reassured the public that there is an ample supply of fuel from major oil companies like HPCL, IOCL, and BPCL. President Marri Amarender Reddy highlighted that the surge in sales, driven by false news of shortages, had caused temporary stock depletion at some outlets.
Furthermore, the association cautioned against storing fuel in cans, emphasizing the safety risks and violation of regulations set by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO). Government departments reiterated that there is no actual shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG in Telangana, attributing recent disruptions to unwarranted panic buying. The supply chain remains operational, ensuring adequate fuel availability across all districts to meet daily demands.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to convene a meeting with senior officials to assess the status of fuel availability later in the day.
