Published Apr 29, 2026 | 6:59 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 29, 2026 | 6:59 PM
Rumours of a price hike after the conclusion of the Assembly elections led to panic buying across the state. (Representational photo/iStock)
Synopsis: Telangana has become a “refuelling hub” for neighbouring states. With supply disruptions and higher prices in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, cross-border buyers in districts like Khammam and Nirmal crossed the state’s borders to refuel, further depleting local stocks.
Telangana Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday, 29 April, assured that the state has enough petrol and diesel stock to meet the rising demand.
Reddy’s assurance came amidst growing concerns over fuel shortage.
“Do not worry about petrol and diesel supply. Sufficient fuel is available to meet public demand. I appeal to the citizens not to be misled by misinformation on social media,” the minister clarified.
Telangana has been seeing a surge in demand for fuel following widespread panic buying triggered by an anticipation of a significant hike in petrol and diesel prices after the conclusion of the second phase of polling in West Bengal.
Also Read: Sudden fuel scarcity in Andhra Pradesh triggers crisis
As the final phase of elections concluded on Wednesday, speculation intensified that Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) would implement a sharp price revision. This seemed to have led to long queues at fuel stations across Hyderabad and rural districts, with motorists attempting to top up tanks in anticipation of a post-poll “price shock.”
Beyond the election jitters, the state’s fuel infrastructure has been grappling with structural distortions. The price of industrial diesel rates has reached more than ₹150 per litre, while retail outlets continue to sell non-commercial diesel at approximately ₹95 a litre.
Official sources attributed the massive price gap to bulk commercial consumers flooding retail fuel stations. This “diversion” of demand has placed an immense strain on stations designed for civilian use.
Furthermore, Telangana has become a “refuelling hub” for neighbouring states. With supply disruptions and higher prices in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, cross-border buyers in districts like Khammam and Nirmal crossed the state’s borders to refuel, further depleting local stocks.
The numbers released by the Civil Supplies Department:
Also Read: Plastics, pharma, fertilisers: How West Asia conflict disrupts India’s supply chains
Minister Reddy outlined a multi-pronged strategy that has been implemented to stabilise the situation:
A special control room has been established to track supply chains 24/7. Monitoring committees under District Collectors are reviewing local stock levels every three hours.
Surveillance has been intensified at interstate borders to regulate the influx of out-of-state buyers and prevent unauthorised bulk hoarding.
With the harvesting and paddy procurement season in full swing, the government has placed a special focus on diesel for agricultural needs, ensuring farmers are not hindered by the retail rush.
Over 3,100 tankers have been deployed to ensure rapid replenishment of dry outlets, with OMCs instructed to accept advance indents from dealers.
The government has emphasised that the “shortage” is a matter of logistics and panic, not a lack of actual resources. To assist the public and address grievances, the state has activated a toll-free number, 1967.
“The supply of diesel has increased to 210% and petrol to 132% of our standard capacity,” the minister said. “There is no reason for citizens to queue up for hours. We are monitoring the situation at every level to ensure every station remains wet,” he added.
📊 Telangana Fuel Supply Update: We are supplying above the average to ensure zero disruptions!
📈 Petrol supply: Up by 132%
📈 Diesel supply: Up by 210%With 36,404 KL supplied and 3,817 tankers dispatched yesterday alone, there is absolutely NO fuel shortage.
Don't panic,… pic.twitter.com/M0ijGeRQEs
— Office of CA,F&CS, Telangana State (@TGCivilSupplies) April 29, 2026
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
