Hyderabad Fuel Crisis Enters Second Day Amid Panic Buying
The city of Hyderabad witnessed extensive queues at petrol pumps for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, as persistent fears of a fuel shortage continued to grip residents. This occurred despite repeated assurances from government authorities and oil companies regarding adequate stock levels. Police deployment became necessary at multiple outlets, with barricades erected to manage the swelling crowds of motorists who thronged fuel stations across various neighborhoods.
Misinformation and Social Media Fuel Panic
Many residents pointed to widespread misinformation as the primary catalyst for the rush. The sight of 'no stock' boards at certain petrol pumps, coupled with viral images of serpentine queues on social media platforms, triggered a wave of anxiety among vehicle owners. Mohd Shadab, a daily wage worker from LB Nagar, expressed his concerns, stating, "People are observing queues everywhere and assuming that petrol supplies are depleting rapidly. The presence of 'no stock' signs at some pumps has generated significant panic. Instead of permitting full tank refills, authorities should consider implementing fuel rationing measures to ensure fair distribution."
Impact on Daily Life and Small Businesses
The situation escalated as customers were seen carrying cans and bottles to stockpile fuel for generators and other essential uses, thereby intensifying pressure on the already strained supply chain. Office-goers found themselves entangled in the chaos, with many experiencing substantial delays. Harshal Gokhe, an employee at a private bank, shared his ordeal, "I attempted to refuel during my lunch break but became trapped in the congestion. With the financial year-end approaching, I cannot afford such disruptions, yet the overwhelming rush led me to believe that petrol might indeed run out."
For small-scale enterprises, the repercussions were immediate and severe. Karthik Yadav, a dairy supplier operating in Secunderabad, highlighted the critical nature of the issue, "I have been waiting for over an hour. Petrol is indispensable for milk deliveries, but due to the excessive rush, they are not permitting the use of cans, which complicates our operations." B Ramakrishna, who was waiting at Rasoolpura, added, "After viewing numerous videos on social media, I hurried to the nearest bunk. Khairtabad was excessively crowded, Begumpet had no fuel available, so I proceeded to Rasoolpura in search of supplies."
Government Response and Commuter Challenges
In response to the escalating situation, Raji Reddy, the chief rationing officer of the consumer affairs and civil supplies department, disclosed that oil firms have been instructed to restrict sales in bottles and ensure smoother distribution mechanisms. Meanwhile, commuters faced prolonged waiting times and a surge in fares on ride-hailing platforms as panic buying disrupted regular transport services. Many reported difficulties in booking rides through aggregator apps over the past two days, with drivers either canceling trips or demanding higher rates.
Adil Khan, a 24-year-old resident, recounted his experience, "Typically, I am charged between Rs 100 and Rs 120 for travel from Mehdipatnam to the IT corridor. However, today the same route displayed a fare of Rs 150. Even after agreeing to the increased amount, I was unable to secure a ride." While auto-rickshaw drivers attributed the situation to the availability of gas, fuel station owners asserted that panic buying has exacerbated the problem. Sathi Reddy, secretary of Telangana Auto Unions, noted that drivers are grappling with rising fuel costs alongside stagnant fare structures, further compounding their challenges.
