Hyderabad: Amid rising global tensions and concerns over fuel supply disruptions, Telangana has moved to tighten control over petroleum stocks, with chief minister A Revanth Reddy assuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the state is closely monitoring availability and cracking down on black marketing.During a virtual meeting convened by the Prime Minister with chief ministers on Friday, Revanth said the state has put in place a multi-layered monitoring system. A state-level committee headed by the chief secretary, along with 33 district-level panels led by nodal officers, is continuously reviewing demand, supply and stock levels of petrol, diesel and LPG. “All steps are being taken to curb black marketing. The commercial gas cylinders are being supplied to hospitals, schools, orphanages and old-age homes on a priority basis. Officials are continuously monitoring the stock levels and consumption rates at every fuel station,” the CM said. According to the chief minister’s office, Revanth informed the PM that the situation is being tracked in real time from the command control centre in Hyderabad. He noted that while normal daily consumption of petrol and diesel stands at 36,189 kilolitres, the state currently has reserves of 1,88,210 kilolitres, indicating adequate availability. The CM also flagged the spread of misinformation, stating that legal action is being initiated against individuals posting content on social media that creates panic over fuel shortages. Long-term strategyBeyond immediate supply management, Revanth highlighted Telangana’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by promoting electric mobility and renewable energy. He pointed out that road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles have been fully waived, while the state is actively encouraging EV manufacturing and building a battery ecosystem. As part of the transition, the govt is working to convert over 1.20 lakh petrol and diesel-powered autorickshaws in Hyderabad into electric vehicles through retrofitting. He also informed the PM that the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation is moving towards operating only electric buses, with the transition already underway.
