As fuel stations in many cities across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh witnessed panic buying of fuel on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, the Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association and the AP Federation of Petroleum Traders issued statements saying there was no fuel shortage in the states.

“It has come to our notice that due to the circulation of false and misleading news regarding fuel shortage, many people are rushing to fuel stations and filling their tanks unnecessarily. This panic buying has led to an abnormal surge in sales – nearly 2.5 to 3 times the normal level – resulting in temporary stock exhaustion at several retail outlets across the country. We would like to assure all citizens that there is no shortage of fuel. Adequate stock is available with HPCL, IOCL and BPCL. Supply chains are functioning normally. Avoid panic buying. Do not store fuel in unauthorised containers. Purchase fuel only as per your regular requirements,” the statement by Telangana Petroleum Dealers Association said.

A similar statement was issued by petroleum dealers in Andhra Pradesh. Except in Vijayawada, there was no panic buying in other parts of AP, officials said.

This follows an appeal by Hyderabad Police Commissioner V C Sajjanar to citizens not to indulge in panic buying. “There is no shortage of fuel or LPG cylinders in Hyderabad. Adequate stock is available, and supply is running smoothly across the city. Citizens are requested not to panic or rush to fuel stations, as such actions may lead to unnecessary congestion and disruption. Hyderabad City Police is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with all departments. We urge everyone to remain calm, avoid spreading or believing in rumours, and cooperate with authorities to ensure normalcy is maintained,” he said.

Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy will hold a review meeting regarding the state’s stocks of petrol, gas cylinders, and urea. Discussions will focus on measures to ensure there are no disruptions to the fuel supply.

Specifically, the meeting addresses precautionary measures and inventory management to prevent any shortages of petrol and gas, a statement from the CMO said. The panic buying was triggered by a few fuel stations that posted notices saying there was no stock after heavy sales had exhausted their stock for the day.

The panic comes against the backdrop of the war in the Middle East, which has hit fuel and energy supplies across the world. India is among the countries affected by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz.