HYDERABAD: A ‘no stock’ sign displayed at a petrol pump in Hyderabad, alongside visuals of people filling petrol and diesel into cans and bottles, captured the scale of panic buying that swept parts of the city this week. Rumours of a fuel shortage triggered a rush at petrol stations on Tuesday, despite assurances from the Telangana government that supplies remain sufficient. Long queues, traffic congestion and heated exchanges were reported across several neighbourhoods, including Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and Begumpet. At multiple outlets, customers were seen storing fuel in plastic bottles and containers in addition to filling their vehicles, adding to delays and crowding. The surge in demand disrupted regular supply cycles. Several pumps ran out of fuel and put up ‘no stock’ signs, while some began rationing sales, limiting purchases to Rs 150–Rs 200 for two-wheelers.
Image Credit: Suman Reddy/TOI
Petrol pump staff used ropes and barricades to manage the crowds, but tensions rose as some motorists attempted to jump queues.Another pump manager said that missed advance payments over the weekend led to some petrol pumps not receiving enough fuel deliveries. Officials have attributed the disruption to panic buying driven by rumours, maintaining that there is no overall shortage of fuel in the city.
