Hyderabad: Rumours of fuel shortage on Monday triggered a surge in panic buying, with motorists making a beeline to fuel stations in the city and forcing many pumps to shut down temporarily.
The rush began early in the morning and intensified over several hours until managements at various locations opted to close, fearing potential unrest.
Long queues were witnessed at fuel stations in Chandrayangutta, Malakpet, Santoshnagar, Asifnagar, Nampally, Shaikpet, Narayanguda and other areas in the city.
“I visited at least four fuel stations and they were closed. Finally, the one at Bazarghat was dispensing fuel, so I stood in the queue,” said Sampath Kumar, a resident of Karwan.
The panic buying was largely attributed to rumours of a short supply of petrol and diesel to the stations from the oil depots. “We opened as usual this morning, but due to the overwhelming rush, we were instructed to close. Management will take a decision on when to reopen,” said a cashier at a fuel station in Chandrayangutta.
The police had to step in at a few fuel stations which continued operations. “Yesterday, the authorities communicated that adequate fuel is available. Again, since morning, people are lining up at the petrol bunks. I don’t understand whether I should believe the administration or not,” said Mohd Zubair, a medical representative who was waiting at a fuel station.
Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association General Secretary Vinod Vishwanath said that the disruption was due to the absence of fuel replenishment on Sunday. “Fresh supplies have started arriving at fuel stations and we expect the situation to normalise by evening,” said Vinod Vishwanath.
