Fuel Crisis Looms in Andhra Pradesh as Stations Ration Supply
Amid growing concerns over an impending shortage of petrol and diesel in the coming days, filling stations across Vijayawada and other regions of Andhra Pradesh have begun implementing strict rationing measures for transport vehicles. This move has sparked alarm among lorry owners and heavy vehicle operators, who now face significant limitations on their fuel access.
Rationing Measures and Immediate Impact
According to reports from the AP Lorry Owners Association, many fuel stations have imposed caps on diesel purchases, with private outlets limiting supply to a maximum of 100 litres per vehicle and government-run stations allowing up to 300 litres. This abrupt restriction has created a panic-like situation within the transport sector, disrupting logistics and daily operations for countless businesses reliant on timely deliveries.
Eswara Rao, president of the AP Lorry Owners Association, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating, "Many fuel filling stations have capped the maximum diesel filling to 300 litres. Private companies have been filling a maximum of 100 litres by private fuel stations and 300 litres by govt fuel stations. This has created a panic-like situation among transport vehicles." The association emphasizes that these measures are a direct response to supply chain disruptions that threaten to paralyze the state's transportation network.
Dealers Sound Alarm Over Supply Disruptions
The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Petroleum Traders (APFPT) has formally raised the alarm, warning of a looming statewide petrol and diesel shortage. In a detailed representation submitted to the civil supplies department, the federation outlined severe and ongoing disruptions in fuel supply from oil marketing company (OMC) depots over recent days.
Retail outlets are reportedly struggling to receive regular shipments of motor spirit (petrol) and high-speed diesel, with many indents being delayed or cancelled without prior notice. Despite dealers making advance payments by pooling additional resources, operational bottlenecks at depots have exacerbated the situation, leaving numerous fuel stations critically low on stock and unable to meet consumer demand.
Bank Holidays Threaten to Escalate Crisis
Compounding the issue is the upcoming three-day bank holiday period, which includes Friday for Rama Navami, Saturday as the fourth Saturday of the month, and Sunday. With banks closed, dealers will be unable to process the substantial daily payments required for fuel procurement, potentially crippling supply chains further.
The APFPT has issued a stark warning, noting, "If supply restrictions continue during this period, a majority of petrol pumps may run dry, triggering panic buying, long queues, hoarding, and possible law and order issues." This scenario underscores the urgent need for governmental intervention to prevent widespread disruption and public inconvenience.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
In response to the escalating crisis, APFPT general secretary Peram Ravikumar has urged the state government to take immediate and decisive steps. The association has specifically requested that authorities direct OMCs to prioritize fuel supply for dealers who have already made advance payments and ensure that no pending indents are withheld.
The federation's appeal highlights the critical need for coordinated efforts to stabilize fuel availability and avert a full-blown crisis. As Andhra Pradesh braces for potential shortages, stakeholders across the transportation and petroleum sectors are calling for swift action to safeguard the state's economic and logistical frameworks from further strain.
