Fuel frenzy in Hyderabad as motorists ignore adequate reserve claims
Despite repeated assurances from oil marketing companies, district officials and police that fuel reserves in Hyderabad are sufficient for 60 days, panic buying continued across the city. Officials clarified there is no scarcity of petrol or diesel, but the surge in demand temporarily affected supply at some outlets.
Hyderabad: Despite assurances from the oil marketing companies, distributors, district administration and police that adequate fuel stocks were available, panic buying of fuel continued with long queues at fuel stations across the city on Wednesday.
Serpentine queues were witnessed at several fuel stations in the city and outskirts since morning and the rush continued till late into the night. The fuel stations at Chaderghat, Mehdipatnam, Saifabad, Madhapur, Ameerpet, Dilsukhnagar, Nagole, Tarnaka, Safilguda, Malkajgiri and Quthbullapur were fully packed by evening.
Oil marketing companies – HPCL, BPCL and IOCL urged the public to avoid panic buying and assured the public of adequate fuel availability in Telangana. In a joint statement, the companies said an unusual surge in fuel purchases from panic buying in some places temporarily impacted availability at a few retail outlets, and clarified there was no shortage of petrol and diesel.
Hyderabad District Collector, Harichandana Dasari said officials were monitoring the situation and acting accordingly, while City Police Commissioner, VC Sajjanar reiterated there were adequate reserves of fuel sufficient for 60 days.
However, motorists continued frenzied buying, flocking to fuel stations and causing chaos. “What the authorities are saying might be true for now. But if the situation worsens further, do you expect us to stand in long queues for hours to get fuel?” said Murali Krishna, a medical representative.
“After 36 hours of panic buying, the government agencies are trying to calm people. I don’t think it will help in easing the situation,” complained SQ Masood, a social activist.
On Tuesday, the police, revenue, and civil supplies officials were present at a few fuel stations to ensure transparency. Nevertheless, workers at some fuel stations made the most of the opportunity by dispensing fuel in cans and bottles if paid some extra amount, which added to the situation.
