Oil Companies Face Flak For Delays In Supply Of Fuel To Rayalaseema
“When our stocks started running dry, customers began purchasing fuel in large quantities, fearing a shortage. This has worsened the demand-supply imbalance”: A dealer
KURNOOL: Fuel shortages across parts of Rayalaseema – particularly in Kurnool, Nandyal and Kadapa districts, have been largely attributed to delays in supply by OMCs (oil marketing companies). Further, panic buying by consumers has contributed to the worsening situation.
Long queues can be seen at several petrol bunks in Kurnool and Nandyal districts. There are anxious consumers waiting for hours carrying cans and bottles, claiming their vehicles have got stranded. A number of outlets have been found with “No Stock” boards, aggravating public concern.
Dealers point out that unlike earlier, oil companies have tightened credit facilities, resulting in supply disruptions for some outlets that failed to make payments. Yet, many petrol bunk owners allege that even after making advance payments, they have not received petrol or diesel for the past 7–10 days.
“When our stocks started running dry, customers began purchasing fuel in large quantities, fearing a shortage. This has worsened the demand-supply imbalance,” a dealer said.
While the situation is severe in Kurnool and Nandyal districts, Kadapa district is experiencing a partial impact.
Following complaints of artificial scarcity, Revenue and Civil Supplies’ officials have conducted inspections across Kurnool district on Saturday. Areas such as Adoni, Yemmiganur and Kurnool town witnessed heightened anxiety over fuel availability.
Kurnool district supply officer Raja Raghuveer squarely blamed oil companies for supply delays. “The present situation has arisen mainly because oil companies are not supplying fuel on time.
In some cases, even those who have already made payments have not received stocks,” Raghuveer pointed out.
Echoing similar concerns, B. Shivareddy, a petrol bunk owner from Kamalapuram in Kadapa district, said, “I made payment 10 days ago. But I have not received petrol or diesel so far. There is no response from companies to our calls.”
There are around 950 petrol pumps across the undivided districts of Kurnool, Kadapa and Anantapur. The shortage is currently more pronounced in Kurnool district, where nearly 35 out of 166 petrol bunks have been shut as of April 25 due to lack of stock.
In the interim, rumours are circulating on social media about a possible ₹20 per litre hike in fuel prices after the ongoing elections in the four states. This has triggered panic buying, coupled with concerns over global supply disruptions. Many consumers are storing fuel in large quantities at their homes.
Kurnool district collector Dr. A. Siri feels panic buying has significantly contributed to the crisis. “Panic buying creates sudden pressure on supplies. Out of 166 bunks, 32 have run out of fuel, while sufficient stocks are available in the remaining 134 outlets,” she said.
Nandyal district collector G. Rajakumari, however, downplayed the severity of the issue. “We have reviewed the situation with oil companies.
There is no overall shortage of fuel.
The current situation is largely due to rumours and panic buying, especially as farmers are stocking up fuel for the ongoing Rabi harvest,” she observed, advising people against hoarding.
B. Gopal Reddy, who operates Nayara petrol bunks, flagged supply issues. “I run three petrol pumps. Despite making payments a week ago, we are yet to receive petrol and diesel,” he said.
Several dealers, on condition of anonymity, have further alleged that certain oil companies are insisting on the purchase of premium fuels, such as turbo variants, as a condition for supplying regular petrol.
In particular, dealers of HPCL have expressed concern over inconsistent supply patterns.
