Hyderabad, March 24 – Several petrol pumps in Hyderabad were closed on Tuesday, while long queues were seen at some filling stations that were open, despite authorities maintaining that there was no shortage of petrol, diesel, or domestic LPG anywhere in Telangana.
"No stock" signs were put up at several petrol pumps in the Uppal, Mallapur, Ghatkesar, Attapur, Katedan, and Chandrayangutta areas, causing significant inconvenience to motorists. Authorities attributed this to panic buying fueled by rumors.
At the open filling stations, long queues of cars, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles, and other vehicles were seen.
At CNG outlets, motorists were standing for four to five hours to refuel. The heavy traffic at the fuel stations led to traffic jams in some areas.
With auto-rickshaws waiting in long queues to refuel at a CNG filling station in Nampally, traffic flow was affected. According to the traffic police, traffic movement is slow from Nampally T Junction and Taj Island towards Public Garden Road. Commuters were advised to use alternative routes.
Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Telangana Government categorically clarified that there is "absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel, or domestic LPG anywhere in the state."
The department stated that the supply chain from oil refineries to local depots is fully operational, and sufficient stock is available to meet the regular daily requirements of all citizens across all districts.
Recent reports of long queues and temporary "No Stock" signs at certain retail petrol outlets are solely the result of sudden, unwarranted panic buying fueled by false rumors. When citizens unnecessarily rush to fill their tanks to full capacity, it creates an artificial scarcity, despite adequate fuel being available at the depots.
The department also stated that recent administrative changes regarding advance-payment models by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have caused minor, temporary logistical adjustments for some local dealers. This is solely an internal administrative measure and has nothing to do with a lack of supplies.
"To manage the situation and ensure equitable distribution, the Central and State Governments, in close coordination with OMCs and the Police Department, are actively monitoring fuel outlets. Strict action will be taken against anyone found hoarding fuel, engaging in black-marketing, or illegally diverting domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use," it said.
The government appealed to all citizens to remain calm and avoid panic buying. "We strongly advise the public to trust only official communications and refrain from believing or forwarding unverified rumors on social media. For any queries or to report irregularities, citizens are encouraged to contact the Civil Supplies Toll-Free Helpline: 1967."
Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, however, claimed that there is no shortage of fuel or LPG cylinders in Hyderabad.
He posted on X that adequate stocks are available and supply is running smoothly across the city. He urged citizens not to panic or rush to fuel stations, as such actions may lead to unnecessary congestion and disruption.
"The Hyderabad City Police is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with all concerned departments. We urge everyone to remain calm, avoid spreading or believing in rumors, and cooperate with authorities to ensure normalcy is maintained," he said.