Telangana Ramps Up Petroleum Distribution as Demand Surges at Fuel Stations

Hyderabad: Facing an unexpected spike in fuel consumption at petrol pumps across the state, Telangana's Civil Supplies Department has substantially expanded its petroleum supply network to ensure adequate availability.

The department has ramped up statewide fuel supply by 126 percent beginning Sunday, according to officials managing the response to the sudden demand surge. The move aims to maintain consistent fuel distribution and ward off potential shortages.

Multiple factors have contributed to the rush. Commercial operators who purchase diesel in bulk have shifted to buying from retail outlets, driven by the widening price gap between industrial diesel at Rs.150 per litre and regular diesel at Rs.95 per litre. Additionally, fuel supply constraints in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have prompted consumers to cross into Telangana districts including Khammam and Nirmal. Speculation about fuel price increases following recent elections has also fuelled panic purchases among residents.

Civil Supplies Commissioner M. Stephen Raveendra has instructed Oil Marketing Companies to accelerate fuel distribution throughout Telangana. The directive has resulted in 3,100 fuel tankers being mobilised, with dealers now able to place advance orders. The department has simultaneously strengthened oversight mechanisms, requiring petrol stations to report inventory levels every three hours and conducting daily teleconferences to assess supply conditions.

Particular attention is being given to ensuring farmers maintain uninterrupted access to fuel during the ongoing harvest and paddy procurement seasons.

The intensified supply efforts have already yielded measurable results. As of April 27, daily diesel distribution climbed to 18,449 KLs from 7,348 KLs—a 151 percent increase. Petrol distribution rose to 11,490 KLs from 5,883 KLs, representing a 95 percent jump.

In Hyderabad specifically, diesel stocks expanded by 46 percent, rising from 3,393 KLs to 4,957 KLs daily. City petrol supplies increased by 40 percent, from 3,908 KLs to 5,466 KLs.

The Civil Supplies Department has reassured the public that fuel supplies remain adequate and has urged citizens to refrain from panic buying or spreading unverified claims. Officials have committed to maintaining steady fuel availability for both consumer and agricultural purposes.