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Andhra CM Orders Action Plan to End Petrol, Diesel Shortage

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed district collectors to implement an action plan to address the petrol and diesel shortage. Nearly 421 petrol pumps have closed due to panic buying, with Saturday sales spiking to 8,489 kilolitres of petrol and 10,556 kilolitres of diesel. Officials attribute the crisis to public concern and bulk purchases by the aqua sector. Civil Supplies Minister Nadendla Manohar clarified there is no actual shortage and warned action against black-marketing.

Key Points: Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu on Petrol Diesel Shortage

  • Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu seeks report on fuel shortage
  • Panic buying causes 421 petrol pump closures out of 4,510
  • Saturday sales spike to 8,489 kl petrol and 10,556 kl diesel
  • Minister Nadendla Manohar denies shortage, warns against black-marketing
2 min read

Andhra Pradesh CM seeks report on petrol, diesel shortage

Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu seeks report on petrol and diesel shortage, directs Collectors to implement action plan amid panic buying and pump closures.

"Immediately implement an action plan to address the issue and submit a report on the measures taken by various departments. - N. Chandrababu Naidu"

Amaravati, April 26

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday directed District Collectors to immediately implement an action plan to address the shortage of petrol and diesel.

Responding to reports of closure of petrol pumps across the state caused by shortages in petrol and diesel supply due to panic buying, the Chief Minister asked Collectors to immediately implement an action plan to address the issue and to immediately submit a report on the measures taken by various departments in resolving the problem.

The Chief Minister held a teleconference with Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad and senior officials to assess the situation.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that out of the total 4,510 fuel outlets in the state, nearly 421 petrol pumps had been shut.

They said that though 10,345 kilolitres of petrol and 14,156 kilolitres of diesel were supplied to dealers on Saturday, panic buying has led to heavy rush at many outlets.

The officials said under normal circumstances, daily sales in the state stand at an average of 6,330 kilolitres of petrol and 9,048 kilolitres of diesel. However, due to public concern over fuel shortages, fuel purchases have risen sharply. On Saturday alone, petrol sales touched 8,489 kilolitres and diesel sales increased to 10,556 kilolitres.

Officials explained that the sudden increase in sales has caused stocks to deplete rapidly at several outlets. Despite enhanced supply, long queues are seen at petrol pumps because of panic-driven purchases. They also informed the Chief Minister that bulk purchases in drums by the aqua sector were creating additional pressure on supplies.

Reacting to the present situation at petrol pumps, the Chief Minister directed officials to implement an action plan to resolve the problem and submit a report to him by this evening.

Meanwhile, civil supplies minister Nadendla Manohar has clarified that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the state. He stated that some pumps had closed due to problems in supply. He, however, said there was no fuel shortage and asked people not to panic.

The minister warned that strong action would be taken against those indulging in black-marketing.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Chandrababu Naidu is right to demand a report quickly. But the real issue is that officials always say "no shortage" while people queue for hours. The aqua sector buying in drums is a valid concern - they need fuel for their pumps, but it creates panic. Hope the govt bans bulk purchases during such times.
V
Vikram M
I live in Guntur and saw the queues yesterday. It's total chaos! The problem is that when one pump closes, people rush to others. More transparency would help - if officials show real-time stock data, people won't panic. Also, why isn't the state storing emergency reserves? This is basic planning!
S
Sneha F
The minister says no shortage but 421 pumps closed? That's a contradiction. I appreciate Naidu's quick response - at least he's taking action. But the warning against black-marketing is just talk unless they actually catch someone. Remember last year's kerosene scam? 😡
R
Ritu A
Panic buying is a disease in our country. The numbers show only a temporary spike - 8489 KL vs normal 6330 KL is not huge. But the media and WhatsApp forwards make it worse. The CM should also appeal directly to people through TV to stop hoarding. 😊 Hope common sense prevails.

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