Serpentine queues, traffic chaos as fuel outlets runs dry

Nearly a month after fuel shortages triggered panic buying across the city, a similar situation resurfaced on Monday, causing widespread inconvenience to the public. Several petrol bunks across the city ran out of fuel since Sunday night, displaying 'No Stock' boards and leaving motorists scrambling.

An unexpected surge in demand at a handful of operational fuel stations led to long vehicle queues, and traffic congestion in various areas. Commuters were seen waiting for hours in hopes of refuelling, while many others were forced to return empty-handed.

Since Sunday night, 'No Petrol' boards appeared outside several petrol pumps across Hyderabad, and many were shut down due to fuel shortages. Affected areas include Nampally, Asifnagar, Mehdipatnam, Alwal, Trimulgherry, Rajendranagar, Secunderabad, Serilingampally, Malakpet, Shaikpet, Madhapur, Gachibowli, and parts of the Old City.

According to observers, the situation began deteriorating on Sunday when multiple fuel stations ran out of diesel and displayed 'No Diesel' boards. As the day progressed, petrol stocks, too, were depleted at many outlets, leaving only premium petrol available for a limited time before that, too, became inadequate. Several stations were forced to shut operations due to the shortage even as around 11 pm on Sunday.

"Since Sunday, there was no stock of diesel, and by night even petrol had run out at a majority of stations. Despite closures, there was a huge rush of vehicles waiting outside, hoping to refuel as soon as the stations reopened. However, there was no panic buying reported on Sunday," said Rizwan Khan, an observer.

The situation was worsened on Monday morning, as panic buying gripped citizens across the city. With uncertainty looming over fuel availability, motorists rushed to the few operational stations, resulting in long queues, traffic congestion, and chaotic scenes throughout the day. Many commuters were seen waiting for hours to refill their vehicle tanks, while others struggled to find open fuel outlets.

Ramesh Kumar, a private employee, who stuck at a petrol station in Rajendranagar, said, "I have been standing in line for over an hour, and the queue is not moving. I still have to get to work, but this delay is making it impossible," he said.

Another commuter said, "I visited at least four fuel stations in LB Nagar and Malakpet areas, they were closed. Finally, the one at Chaderghat was dispensing fuel, so I stood in the queue and refuelled the tank," said Sampath Kumar, a resident of L B Nagar.

Furthermore, the impact has been particularly severe on those who rely on two-wheelers for their livelihoods. Delivery workers, gig riders, and daily wage earners are bearing the brunt of the disruption, as fuel scarcity directly affects their ability to earn.

"For us, this is not just an inconvenience -- it's a crisis. If I do not get fuel, I can't make deliveries, and that means no income for the day," said Mohammed Arif, a food delivery rider.

Meanwhile, Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association General Secretary Vinod Vishwanath said that the disruption was due to the absence of fuel replenishment on Sunday. "The fuel supplies have arrived at stations and we expect the situation to normalise," said Vinod Vishwanath.