Hyderabad, March 25 (NationPress) In response to widespread speculation regarding shortages of petrol, diesel, and LPG that resulted in panic buying and extensive queues at fuel stations throughout Hyderabad, the Telangana government has reassured citizens that there is no deficit of any petroleum product in the state.

During a press briefing, the Minister for Civil Supplies and Irrigation, N. Uttam Kumar Reddy, accompanied by Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra, firmly declared that current stocks are more than sufficient for the next three months, with supply levels exceeding demand.

The Minister disclosed that oil marketing companies—Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL)—have significantly increased their supply volumes.

On Wednesday, these companies delivered 17,898 kilolitres (KL) in contrast to a demand of 17,246 KL, resulting in a surplus of nearly 652 KL.

He noted that although daily demand surged by 25% due to panic buying, supplies have been sustained at 22% above the usual levels, ensuring consistent availability.

"Supply is greater than the demand. We are providing an excess supply," the Minister asserted. He added that an extra 16,000 KL of buffer stock has been arranged and that 1,200 additional tankers have been deployed to keep fuel stations well-stocked.

Any temporary “no stock” signage observed at certain outlets was solely due to delays in tanker arrivals, he clarified, and not indicative of an actual shortage.

The government has also taken a strong stance against the illegal and dangerous practice of using containers to transport petrol and diesel.

"Officials are actively monitoring the situation. The use of containers will not be permitted. Oil Marketing Companies have been given strict instructions," the Minister cautioned.

He urged the public to refrain from panic buying, emphasizing that all rumors of shortages are unfounded.

The Minister confirmed that there is no lack of supply anywhere in Telangana. He highlighted that major cities across the nation, including Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Dharwad, and Belgaum, have also faced similar incidents of panic buying.

He assured that the supply chains for CNG and LPG remain fully operational, indicating that Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) are adequate for 60 to 65 days, and ONGC has extended a credit line to guarantee uninterrupted supplies.

Regarding LPG, the Minister stated that domestic LPG cylinders and petrol/diesel are plentiful, with no shortages. However, there is an issue with commercial LPG cylinders, and the government is actively addressing this with the Centre.

In a related enforcement action, authorities have seized a total of 2,952 commercial cylinders that were being misused or illegally refilled.

The Minister reported that there are 596 petrol bunks operating in Hyderabad alone.

"All shops and petrol bunks are operational. No bunk is allowed to close," he affirmed, confirming that officials had checked outlets in LB Nagar and Bhairamalguda, finding them fully functional.

Staff from the Civil Supplies Department are visiting every bunk, and dedicated control rooms are tracking supplies continuously in collaboration with Legal Metrology, Police, and Civil Supplies officials.

Characterizing the current rush as "purely panic-driven," Uttam Kumar Reddy called on citizens to stop spreading rumors and avoid hoarding.