No Fuel Shortage in Telangana: Minister Uttam
Amid growing concerns over a perceived fuel crisis, Telangana Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy has officially confirmed that the state possesses ample stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Addressing the media today, the Minister dismissed reports of a shortage as mere rumors and urged the public to avoid panic buying. He stated that the current reserves are more than sufficient to meet the state’s requirements for the next three months, ensuring long-term energy security.
The recent surge in crowds at various fuel stations in Hyderabad and other districts was attributed to misinformation circulating on social platforms. Minister Uttam clarified that while a few outlets displayed “no stock” boards, these were temporary situations caused by minor delays in tanker arrivals and not a lack of actual inventory. To manage the sudden 25% spike in demand driven by panic, the government has already deployed 1,200 additional tankers to keep supply chains running 22% above the normal daily average.
Furthermore, the state government has issued a strict warning against the illegal practice of carrying fuel in cans or unauthorized containers. Officials have been stationed at various bunks to monitor sales and ensure public safety. The Minister reiterated that oil marketing companies are maintaining surplus supplies, with over 16,000 kilolitres of buffer stock currently held in reserve. He emphasized that all 596 petrol bunks in Hyderabad remain fully operational and are prohibited from closing without valid cause.
Beyond fuel, the administration is also monitoring the supply of domestic and commercial LPG. While domestic cylinders are available in abundance, the government is coordinating with the Centre to address minor logistics issues in the commercial sector. With round-the-clock monitoring by the Civil Supplies and Police departments, the situation is expected to normalize within the next 48 hours. The Minister concluded by requesting citizens to purchase only what they need for their regular daily commute.
