No Let-Up in Fuel Use Across Rayalaseema Districts Despite PM, CM Appeal
Experts note that while fuel prices have gone up, essential and commercial needs are preventing any meaningful reduction in consumption.
Kurnool: Despite rising fuel prices, there has been no significant decline in petrol and diesel consumption across key Rayalaseema districts. Data from Kurnool, Nandyal, and Kadapa districts indicate that daily fuel usage continues to climb, driven by seasonal demand, increased vehicle movement, and expanding economic activity.
According to official estimates, the three districts together are consuming over 6.5 lakh litres of petrol per day, with diesel usage also remaining consistently high. Experts note that while fuel prices have gone up, essential and commercial needs are preventing any meaningful reduction in consumption.
In Kurnool district, petrol consumption previously stood at around 2.60 lakh litres per day, while diesel usage averaged 3.60 lakh litres daily. “Even after the price rise, we are seeing an increase of nearly 4,000 litres per day in overall fuel consumption,” said district supply officer M. Rajaraghaveer.
The official attributed the sustained diesel demand to seasonal factors. “With the mango season in full swing and large-scale transportation of horticulture produce, diesel consumption is unlikely to drop. At best, we see minor fluctuations of two to three thousand litres,” he maintained.
A similar trend is visible in Nandyal district, where petrol consumption has reached 2.20 lakh litres per day, while diesel usage is hovering around 3.10 lakh litres daily. Officials confirmed that there has been no noticeable dip in usage even after fuel price hikes.
Kadapa district too reflects the same pattern. Petrol consumption, which had been around 2.35 lakh litres daily, has increased by an additional 3,000 litres, driven largely by summer travel.
“Due to the vacation season, people are travelling extensively in personal vehicles. There has also been a surge in demand for private taxis,” said Kadapa-based travel agent Noor Mohammed. “Many families are opting for long-distance trips, which is pushing up fuel consumption.”
Adding to the demand is the steady rise in vehicle sales. Across Kurnool, Kadapa and Nandyal districts, more than 3,000 new two-wheelers and around 500 cars are being added to the roads every month.
“The number of new vehicles entering the market is quite high. This naturally keeps elevating fuel consumption,” said two-wheeler showroom owner N. Mallikarjuna.
Infrastructure and irrigation works are also contributing to increased diesel usage. Heavy machinery, such as excavators and JCBs, are being deployed extensively across project sites, further adding to fuel demand.
“Except for limited reductions in school transport due to holidays, most sectors are operating at full scale. Given current needs, petrol and diesel usage has become unavoidable,” observers say.
Echoing this sentiment, Kurnool-based mango trader B. Nagaraju said, “I transport mangoes daily in my Eicher vehicle to other regions. Even though diesel prices have gone up, I have no option but to continue. It is essential for my business.”
Officials feel that under present economic and seasonal conditions, fuel conservation remains a challenge, with consumption patterns unlikely to change in the near future.
