Andhra Pradesh is facing a sudden fuel supply crunch, with several petrol bunks shutting down across the state, triggering concern among the public. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has stepped in and sought an urgent report from officials.
Before leaving Mumbai for Amaravati, Chandrababu held a teleconference with Chief Secretary Sai Prasad and senior officials to review the situation. District-wise updates were presented during the meeting.
Officials informed that out of 4,510 petrol bunks in the state, around 421 have been shut due to shortage of petrol and diesel. While overall supply has slightly increased, panic buying has put unexpected pressure on available stock.
On regular days, the state records around 6,330 kilolitres of petrol sales and 9,048 kilolitres of diesel. However, fear of shortage led to a sharp spike in demand. On Saturday alone, petrol sales jumped to 10,345 kilolitres and diesel sales to 14,156 kilolitres, nearly 50 percent higher than usual.
This sudden surge caused stocks to run out quickly at many retail outlets. Officials also noted that aquaculture farmers purchasing fuel in bulk is adding to the strain on supply.
Chandrababu directed district collectors and fisheries department officials to act immediately to manage the situation. He asked them to monitor supply closely, control panic buying and ensure uninterrupted availability.
He has also ordered a detailed report by evening on the current status and the measures taken.
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar held a video conference with oil companies and fuel dealers. He asked them to maintain steady supply and warned against creating artificial shortages. Officials have been told to closely monitor fuel depots.
The government is now focused on stabilising supply and reducing demand pressure to ensure that people do not face further inconvenience.
