Amaravati,, Apr 26 (TNT): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday directed officials and oil marketing companies to restore normal fuel supply across Andhra Pradesh by Monday, warning of strict action if public inconvenience continues.
Reviewing the situation at the camp office here, Naidu was informed that the shortage was triggered by a sudden surge in demand, particularly from commercial consumers.
Petrol sales rose from the normal 6,330 KL to 8,489 KL on Saturday (up 34%), while Sunday demand remained high at 7,750 KL (up 22%).
Diesel sales also increased from the usual 9,048 KL to 10,556 KL (up 16%), officials said.
District Collectors told the CM that private operators such as Nayara, Reliance and Jio had suspended supplies to their outlets, aggravating the situation.
Officials also pointed out that oil companies had curtailed credit facilities to retail dealers.
The Chief Minister questioned representatives of HPCL, IOCL and BPCL over the issue and directed them to ensure uninterrupted supply to petrol bunks.
He warned that if companies deliberately inconvenience the public,permissions granted to them could be reconsidered.
Expressing displeasure over the delay in response despite early warning signs, Naidu asked officials why corrective steps were not taken earlier and ordered an inquiry into the crisis.
He directed District Collectors to establish special task forces and control rooms involving revenue, police and Legal Metrology departments until normalcy is restored. Deployment of personnel at fuel stations and CCTV monitoring were also ordered to prevent black marketing.
Highlighting the needs of the agriculture sector, the CM instructed that there should be “no shortage of diesel for paddy harvesting operations” and suggested introducing a ‘coupon system for farmers’ to ensure timely supply.
The Chief Minister made it clear that normalcy must be restored immediately and that “No Stock” boards should be removed from fuel stations without delay.
TNT KM
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