Naidu Reviews Fuel Shortage in AP, Orders Restoration of Supplies
The AP CM draws attention of officials to hardships being faced by motorists and farmers due to closure of several petrol bunks in various districts.
Vijayawada: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday reviewed reports of fuel shortage in various parts of the state.
During the review meeting, the AP CM drew attention of officials to the hardships being faced by motorists and farmers due to closure of several petrol bunks in various districts. He instructed Chief Secretary K. Sai Prasad and Civil Supplies department officials to ensure that the issue is addressed without delay and the public does not face inconvenience.
Naidu asked officials to coordinate with district collectors and streamline the situation on the ground. He directed them to hold discussions with petrol bunk owners and oil companies to restore normal fuel supply at the earliest.
Following the Chief Minister’s directives, Civil Supplies officials held telephonic discussions with the petroleum dealers’ association. They asked the association to immediately submit details of outlets facing shortage of stocks. The association, in turn, alerted its district-level representatives to compile and submit the required data.
The Civil Supplies commissioner asked dealers facing shortage of stock to report details via toll-free number 1967. Incidentally, oil companies have agreed to supply 10 per cent more fuel compared to April last year, offering some relief amid the ongoing shortage.
In the interim, the fuel crisis has begun impacting key sectors, particularly agriculture. In the combined Godavari districts, diesel scarcity is affecting the ongoing Rabi harvest. Paddy harvesting machines, which require 100 to 160 litres of diesel per day to operate for 10 to 15 hours in a day, are lying idle in rural areas due to lack of fuel. Even where fuel is available, supply is being rationed to 50 litres per person.
Aquaculture farmers and vehicle users are also facing difficulties, with long waiting times reported at fuel stations.
The Andhra Pradesh Federation of Petroleum Traders (APFPT) president Ravi Gopalakrishna and general secretary Peram Ravikumar are collecting field-level data from dealers. The association is preparing a detailed report on supply patterns of oil companies to be submitted to the Civil Supplies commissioner.
Government sources expressed confidence that the situation will stabilise in the coming days with coordinated efforts and enhanced supply of fuel.
