Telangana Government Confirms Ample Fuel Reserves for Three Months
In a significant announcement aimed at quelling public anxiety, Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy declared on Wednesday that Telangana maintains robust stocks of petrol and diesel sufficient to meet the state's needs for the upcoming three months. The minister emphasized that current supply operations are running smoothly and actually exceed consumer demand, ensuring uninterrupted availability across all fuel stations.
Supply Outpaces Demand Despite Sudden Spike
Addressing reporters on the assembly premises, Minister Reddy provided detailed figures to substantiate his claims. He revealed that daily demand for petroleum products had unexpectedly surged by 25% due to widespread panic buying triggered by baseless rumors of shortages. However, supply chains have been strengthened to deliver at a rate 22% above average, creating a comfortable buffer.
"Supply is more than demand. We are providing excess supply," the minister stated categorically. He further explained that authorities have arranged an additional 16,000 kilolitres of buffer stock as a precautionary measure. To facilitate distribution, 1,200 extra tankers have been deployed to ensure all fuel outlets remain fully stocked.
Government Cracks Down on Illegal Practices
The Telangana government has taken serious note of hazardous practices emerging during this period. Minister Reddy specifically highlighted the illegal and dangerous trend of filling petrol and diesel in cans and containers. "Officials are conducting rigorous inspections in the field. Use of containers will not be allowed. Oil marketing companies have been strictly instructed to stop this practice immediately," he asserted.
In a related enforcement action, authorities have seized 2,952 commercial LPG cylinders that were being misused or illegally filled. The minister clarified that while domestic LPG cylinders are abundantly available, there is a recognized supply crunch for commercial cylinders. The state government is actively engaging with central authorities to resolve this specific issue.
Oil Companies Ramp Up Operations
Amid circulating rumors that caused long queues at fuel stations across Hyderabad, the state government confirmed that major oil marketing companies have significantly increased their supply operations. The companies involved—Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)—have collectively enhanced their distribution networks.
On the day of the ministerial briefing, these companies supplied 17,898 kilolitres against a recorded demand of 17,246 kilolitres, resulting in an excess supply of nearly 652 kilolitres. This data point underscores the government's claim of supply exceeding demand.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Public Appeal
Minister Reddy disclosed that 596 petrol stations are currently operational within Hyderabad city alone. "All shops and petrol bunks are open. No bunk is being allowed to close," he confirmed, adding that recent inspections in areas like LB Nagar and Bhairamalguda found all outlets functioning normally.
The government has established dedicated control rooms operating round-the-clock to monitor fuel supplies. These facilities coordinate with multiple agencies including legal metrology, police, and civil supplies departments. Staff from the civil supplies department are personally visiting every fuel station to ensure compliance and address any issues promptly.
The minister made a heartfelt appeal to citizens: "There is absolutely no need for panic. Petrol, diesel and domestic LPG are in abundant supply." He urged the public to disregard unfounded rumors, avoid hoarding, and refrain from panic buying, which only creates artificial shortages. Any temporary 'no-stock' signs at个别 outlets are merely due to delayed tanker arrivals, not actual supply deficiencies, he clarified.
