Hyderabad: Unknown individuals circulated WhatsApp messages, suggesting the closure of petrol pumps for the next three to four days. The messages triggered a big rush at the pumps as people started panic buying. However, petrol dealers associations clarified that there is no planned strike in the near future.
Messages such as 'Petrol Bunks may be closed for the next 3 to 4 days' and 'Keep tanks filled' were circulating, some users reported.
On January 2, petrol pumps faced shortages as there was no stock due to a strike by oil tank trucks. Similarly, when a new law mandated up to 10 years of imprisonment or a fine of '7 lakh for drivers causing serious road accidents and fleeing the scene without informing the police or administration, drivers protested the law. When news of this protest circulated on social media, urging the Central government to withdraw the bill, people feared a situation similar to January 2 would arise, leading to the anticipation of a strike.
Telangana Petrol Dealers Association President Marri Amarender Reddy stated, "There is a regular movement of stock delivery to all the pumps in the city as well as in the state. There will be no such strike in the near future." Bharatiya Private Transport Mazdoor Maha Sangh All India General Secretary Alluri Ravi Shankar mentioned, "We had positive talks with the government. There will be no such strikes in the near future."
It is worth noting that there are more than 5,80,000 goods vehicles in Telangana, out of which 1,80,000 are heavy goods vehicles.
