Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu orders urgent steps to tackle fuel shortage amid panic buying

VIJAYAWADA: The chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to take immediate steps to stabilise fuel availability in the state and prevent panic buying.Before leaving Mumbai for Amaravati, the Chief Minister held a teleconference with Chief Secretary Sai Prasad and other senior officials to review the situation and issue urgent instructions.Officials informed the Chief Minister that around 421 fuel stations, out of a total of 4,510 across the state, have been shut due to supply constraints. They said that although fuel supply has increased by about 10 per cent compared to earlier levels, panic buying has caused an unprecedented surge in demand, leading to rapid depletion of stocks at retail outlets.They added that Andhra Pradesh usually records daily sales of about 6,330 kilolitres of petrol and 9,048 kilolitres of diesel. However, due to fears of shortage, consumption has risen sharply.“Petrol sales touched 10,345 kilolitres while diesel sales rose to 14,156 kilolitres — marking an increase of over 50% in demand within a short span on Saturday alone,” said the officials.The sudden spike has resulted in long queues at fuel stations across districts, causing inconvenience to the public. Officials also highlighted difficulties in supplying fuel to the aqua sector, where bulk purchases are usually made in drums.Taking serious note of the situation, the Chief Minister directed district collectors and fisheries department officials to intervene immediately and ensure smooth supply, especially to essential sectors. He also asked officials to submit a detailed report by the evening outlining the steps taken and progress made in addressing the situation.