Hyderabad, March 25 (NationPress) A scene of disarray unfolded at petrol stations throughout Hyderabad on Wednesday as speculations of fuel shortages stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia incited frantic purchasing among consumers.

Long lines of vehicles were observable at nearly every retail outlet in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, as well as the surrounding areas, despite official assurances that there are sufficient stocks available.

Numerous vehicles, encompassing trucks, buses, vans, and cars, converged at prominent filling stations, resulting in traffic congestion. Many motorists waited for hours to refuel their petrol and diesel tanks.

Chaotic scenes were reported at fuel stations located in bustling areas like Ameerpet, Khairatabad, Lakdi Ka Pul, Begumpet, Secunderabad, Nampally, Abids, Mehdipatnam, Koti, Attapur, Kukatpally, Erragadda, LB Nagar, and Vanasthalipuram.

Several bunks displayed 'No Stock' signs as the panic buying led to quick depletion of their supplies.

A similar situation was observed in Medak, Mahabubnagar, Karimnagar, Warangal, Nirmal, and other regions within Telangana.

In response, the Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association has reassured citizens that there is no fuel shortage and that ample supplies are maintained by HPCL, IOCL, and BPCL.

“The circulation of false and misleading information regarding fuel shortages has caused many individuals to rush to fuel stations unnecessarily. This panic buying has resulted in an unprecedented increase in sales—approximately 2.5 to 3 times the regular levels—leading to temporary stock outages at various retail outlets,” stated Marri Amarender Reddy, president of the Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association.

He further assured the public that fuel supplies are adequate and that the supply chains are operating normally.

The association also warned against the practice of carrying petrol or diesel in cans for storage, as it violates Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) regulations and presents a significant safety hazard.

The Consumer Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies Department of the Telangana government made it clear that there is absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel, or domestic LPG anywhere within the state.

The department confirmed that the supply chain from oil refineries to local depots is fully functional, with sufficient stock available to meet the daily needs of all citizens across various districts.

Reports of long queues and temporary ‘No Stock’ signs at select petrol outlets are solely due to sudden, unwarranted panic buying fueled by false rumors. When individuals rush to completely fill their tanks, it creates an artificial scarcity, despite the fact that adequate fuel is available in the depots.

The department also stated that recent changes in administrative procedures concerning advance-payment models implemented by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have led to minor, temporary logistical adjustments for some local dealers. This is purely an internal administrative issue and does not reflect a shortage of supplies.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to meet with senior officials later today to assess the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG.