Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the situation regarding petrol and diesel in the state after several fuel stations were forced to shut due to heavy demand and panic buying. During a teleconference with Chief Secretary Sai Prasad and senior officials, the Chief Minister assessed the situation across districts. Officials informed him that around 421 of the state’s 4,510 petrol bunks had temporarily closed due to fuel shortages.

Officials said that despite a ten percent increase in fuel supply, panic buying led to a sharp rise in sales. They said sudden spike in demand has resulted in long queues and rapid depletion of fuel stocks at several outlets. Officials also flagged difficulties in supplying fuel to the aquaculture sector, where diesel is commonly purchased in drums.

The Chief Minister directed district collectors and Fisheries Department officials to take immediate steps to streamline fuel distribution and submit a report on corrective measures.