Widespread panic buying of fuel has led to the temporary closure of hundreds of petrol stations across Andhra Pradesh, prompting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to order an immediate review of the situation, according to a report .
As many as 421 petrol bunks across the state were forced to shut operations after running out of stock, largely due to an unexpected surge in demand. The situation was triggered by public anxiety over potential fuel shortages, which led consumers to purchase petrol and diesel in unusually large quantities, often beyond immediate needs.
Officials indicated that the shortage was not due to a disruption in supply but rather the result of panic-driven consumption. Despite reassurances from authorities and oil marketing companies that adequate fuel reserves were available, the rush at fuel stations intensified, creating artificial scarcity in several districts.
Chief Minister Naidu responded by directing officials to closely monitor fuel supplies and ensure that distribution systems function smoothly. He also called for measures to prevent further panic buying and instructed authorities to take necessary steps to stabilize the situation. The review aims to assess supply logistics and address any bottlenecks affecting fuel delivery.
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Reports highlighted that the sudden spike in demand overwhelmed supply chains, leaving many fuel stations unable to replenish stocks quickly enough. In some areas, long queues formed outside petrol bunks, and supplies were exhausted within hours. Authorities have urged the public to avoid hoarding fuel, emphasizing that sufficient stocks are available and that unnecessary bulk purchases are contributing to the problem.
Similar concerns were echoed in other reports, which noted that fear and misinformation played a key role in escalating the crisis.
The state government is now focusing on restoring normalcy by improving coordination between fuel suppliers and distributors. Officials are also working to reassure citizens and discourage panic-driven behavior, which has been identified as the primary cause of the disruption.
The situation remains under close watch as the government takes corrective steps to ensure steady fuel availability and prevent further closures of petrol stations.
