Telangana, AP Face Shortage of High-Speed Diesel

Hyderabad: The Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association on Thursday said a shortage in the supply of high-speed diesel (HSD) has led to several fuel outlets running dry across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The association alleged that despite claims by oil marketing companies (OMCs) of adequate stocks in view of the Iran war, state-run public sector units — Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Indian Oil Corporation Limited — had restricted diesel supplies to dealers in the two states.

Dealers, the association said, were asked to deposit funds in advance to raise indents in view of the prevailing situation, but releases were delayed despite payments being made. As a result, several retail outlets operated by these companies reported stock-outs, leading to financial and operational strain for dealers.

According to the association, crude oil shipments arrive at Visakhapatnam and are processed at refineries before being transported to storage facilities in Vijayawada and then supplied onwards to Hyderabad through pipeline networks. Dealers said supplies were disrupted after companies cited a mechanical issue at a refinery.

OMCs recently stated that fuel prices had not been increased despite higher crude procurement costs. Unverified claims also circulated that stocks were being held back ahead of a possible price revision after elections in five states.

Association president Marri Amarender Reddy said, “There is a shortage of supply in the state because of fuel shortage. Though the oil companies have sufficient stock for 45 days, they are incurring losses as crude oil is at an all-time high.”