Amaravati, March 31 Andhra Pradesh Minister Nadendla Manohar said on Tuesday that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas in the state and assured that adequate supplies are available to meet demand.
He said the state government is taking steps to introduce Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supply across the state soon, adding that efforts are underway to expand its coverage and encourage consumers to switch.
"There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or cooking gas in the state. People should not believe rumours circulating on social media or panic, as sufficient stocks are available," the state Civil Supplies Minister said in a press release.
He noted that daily reviews are being conducted with dealers and officials to monitor supply and demand, and clarified that there are no disruptions in the supply chain across the state.
The minister said that due to rumours, nearly five lakh bookings for gas cylinders were made at once, resulting in a temporary backlog.
He added that around 2.7 lakh cylinders are currently being supplied without disruption.
Manohar said gas cylinders are delivered directly to consumers’ homes through OTP-based booking systems and advised people not to visit gas agencies unnecessarily.
Highlighting retail fuel availability, the minister said that out of over 4,500 outlets in the state, only four reported "minor" supply issues due to dealers’ personal credit constraints, not supply shortages.
Manohar noted that average daily consumption stands at 7,900 kilolitres of petrol and 20,000 kilolitres of diesel, while supply has been increased by 2.4 per cent and eight per cent, respectively.
He urged the public not to panic-buy fuel or fill full tanks, stating that sufficient stock is available across the state.
The minister said the Central Government has increased the quota of non-domestic cylinders from 10 per cent to 70 per cent, ensuring better availability for hotels, restaurants, and hospitals.
He said action has been taken against illegal practices, with cases registered against 146 gas agencies under relevant provisions and nearly 4,300 cylinders seized for black marketing and unauthorised storage.
Manohar said the state government is continuously coordinating with oil companies and dealers’ associations, holding daily discussions with three oil firms to ensure uninterrupted supply.
The minister said gas distribution projects are underway in various regions, including Vijayawada, Machilipatnam, Chittoor, Nellore, Kadapa, Anantapur, East and West Godavari districts, and Kakinada.
He added that permissions have been granted for PNG supply, and consumers are being encouraged to install pipelines and transition from LPG to natural gas.
Manohar further said efforts are being made to bring one lakh consumers under PNG within three months, with a long-term target of shifting around ten lakh users.
He said the government is also monitoring global developments, including the situation in the Gulf, and taking necessary precautions to avoid any disruption in fuel supply.