Petrol consumption jumps 30%, diesel 15% amid shortage in AP

Vijayawada: Amid the ongoing fuel crisis in the state, there has been a considerable surge in the consumption of both diesel and petrol, with petrol usage increasing by 30% and diesel by 10%-15% compared to the daily average, prompting authorities to step up oil dispatches to fuel retail outlets across the state.According to official data, a total of 11,909 kilolitres (KL) of Motor Spirit (petrol) and 19,707 KL of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) were dispatched to retail outlets across the state on Monday.Despite these efforts, the number of fuel stations facing shortages remains high. As of 7 pm, 623 petrol bunks across Andhra Pradesh were reported to have run dry, reflecting continued strain on the supply chain.In terms of consumption, the state recorded sales of 6,511 KL of petrol and 9,046 KL of diesel during the day, indicating the high demand for fuel. The consumption indicates that the sales of both diesel and petrol reached the average daily consumption levels prior to the fuel crisis, which was 6,330 kilolitres of MS petrol and 9,048 kilolitres for HSD."We have been closely monitoring the situation and continuing to enhance supply logistics to stabilise fuel availability at retail outlets," AP Civil Supplies Director Nupur Ajay Kumar said. She added that the dispatches from depots will continue through the night. All dryouts will be covered by tomorrow morning.