Amidst tensions in West Asia, rumors over a shortage of petrol and diesel have prompted people to queue up at fuel stations in areas such as Kukatpally, Pragathi Nagar, Erragadda, Sanath Nagar, Ameerpet, Secunderabad, Begumpet, Khairatabad, Lakdikapul, Abids, LB Nagar, and Vanasthalipuram.
‘No Stock’ boards were seen at petrol stations in several areas, sparking panic.
‘Adequate stocks available’: Amarinder Reddy
M Amarinder Reddy, President of Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association said in a statement that many people are rushing to fuel stations and filling their tanks unnecessarily due to circulation of false and misleading news of fuel shortage.
“The panic buying has led to an abnormal surge in sales – nearly 2.5 to 3 times the normal levels – resulting in temporary stock exhaustion at several retail outlets. We would like to assure all citizens that there is no shortage of fuel. Adequate stocks are available with HPCL, IOCL, BPCL and supply chains are functioning normally.”
The statement further asked consumers to avoid panic buying and not to store fuel in unauthorized containers and purchase fuel only as per regular needs.
Warning about safety risks, the note said that carrying petrol or diesel in cans for storage is against PESO norms and poses a serious safety risk.