Andhra Pradesh Fuel Crisis: Shortage of petrol and diesel has become acute in many districts of Andhra Pradesh. Especially in NTR district and some other districts, ‘No Stock’ boards are seen at many petrol stations. Due to this, motorists are facing severe difficulties for fuel. It is reported that the situation is more serious in NTR district. As the petrol and diesel stocks are completely exhausted in many petrol stations, motorists are turning away from the stations in despair. At some places, arguments are also taking place between the bunk staff and the motorists.
The main reason for this situation is that the oil companies stop the supply of fuel due to debt. It is reported the oil companies have clarified supply will be restored only after the pending dues are paid. The crisis seems to have arisen due to delay in payment of old dues. They says losses and reduced consumption in industries have also affected the supply. A large number of tankers have stalled near Kondapally Industrial Wada. Hundreds of tankers are reported to be at standstill at HPCL, IOCL, BPCL filling stations.
It seems that supply disruption has also occurred in the combined districts of Krishna, Guntur, West Godavari and Eluru. This is having a severe impact on the transport, industries and agriculture sectors. Civil supplies officials, representatives of oil companies and AP Petrol Dealers Association held a joint meeting yesterday in Vijayawada on the fuel crisis. The dealers association said that the oil companies have said that the negotiations have been successful and the supply will continue. But even after the meeting, people are still worried as ‘No Stock’ boards are seen at many banks. People are demanding immediate resolution of the problem and restoration of normal supply.
Meanwhile in Ambedkar Konaseema district there is a severe shortage of diesel. Consumers, farmers and motorists are lining up with cans for diesel at many petrol stations. Especially during the season of agricultural work, this shortage is causing serious concern to the farmers. At present, paddy harvesting is going on in the district. Farmers are engaged in harvesting the crop with the help of rice harvesters. However, due to the non-availability of diesel tanks required for harvesting machines, harvesting work is being interrupted. Farmers are trying to save their crops in the face of unfavorable weather conditions. At the same time, shortage of diesel is causing more problems. Farmers who have taken steps towards modern agriculture are relying on machines for paddy harvesting. Now they are worried because they are not getting fuel.