Hyderabad Roads Clogged by Panic Buying for Second Day

New Delhi, April 28, 2026 – For the second consecutive day, Hyderabad’s roads are grappling with severe traffic congestion as motorists form long, snaking queues outside petrol pumps across the city. Driven by widespread rumors of a potential fuel shortage and fear of impending price hikes, the panic-induced rush has led to chaotic scenes, forcing many fuel stations to limit supplies and, in some cases, temporarily shut their gates.

Despite repeated assurances from the Telangana Civil Supplies Department that there is no actual fuel shortage in the state, the public anxiety remains palpable. The situation, which began gaining momentum on Monday, has significantly disrupted traffic on major arterial roads in areas such as Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills, Mehdipatnam, and Begumpet, creating a ripple effect of delays across the city.

A City on Edge: The Ground Reality

Since early Tuesday morning, hundreds of motorists have been seen waiting at fuel bunks, with many queuing for over an hour. The situation has been further complicated by “No Stock” signs popping up at various outlets, not necessarily due to a lack of fuel supply, but because dealers are struggling to keep pace with the massive, unexpected demand.

“I have been to three different pumps this morning, and all of them were either closed or had lines extending onto the main road,” said a frustrated commuter stuck in traffic near Madhapur. “I need fuel for my daily commute to work, and seeing everyone rush like this makes me fear that if I don’t fill up now, I won’t have any left for tomorrow.”

The traffic police have been deployed at key junctions to manage the overflow of vehicles from petrol bunks, which has frequently blocked free lefts and slowed down the flow of regular commuter traffic.

Causes Behind the Chaos

While the state administration maintains that fuel stocks are adequate, several factors have converged to create this artificial scarcity:

• Social Media Rumors: Unverified reports circulating on messaging apps and social media platforms predicting a drastic fuel shortage or a significant price hike (ranging from ₹15 to ₹20 per litre) have fueled public anxiety.
• The ‘Spillover’ Effect: Reports of fuel shortages in neighboring Andhra Pradesh have triggered a psychological spillover in Telangana, with residents worried that similar disruptions were imminent.
• Logistical Lags: Dealers point to a temporary delay in supply chain replenishment, exacerbated by the recent bank holidays and a spike in diesel demand for agricultural and industrial sectors.
• Retail Pricing Gap: A recent increase in diesel prices for industrial and commercial consumers has widened the gap with retail prices, leading some bulk users to shift their purchasing to retail fuel stations, further straining the infrastructure.

Government Response: “No Cause for Panic”

The Telangana Civil Supplies Department has issued a strong, unified message to the public: there is no shortage of petrol or diesel.

Government officials revealed that on April 27 alone, approximately 18,524 kilolitres of fuel (7,443 KL of petrol and 11,081 KL of diesel) were supplied across the state. They have urged citizens to ignore misinformation and refrain from panic buying, which is identified as the primary reason for the visible dry spells at some outlets.

Key Measures Being Implemented:

• Rationing: To manage the surge, several petrol pump operators have introduced temporary limits, capping fuel dispensing at ₹1,000 per vehicle.
• Refusal of Bulk Filling: Bunk owners have been instructed to stop filling petrol and diesel in plastic bottles, cans, and containers to discourage hoarding.
• Extended Operations: Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have been directed to keep supply tankers moving late into the evening and night to ensure outlets are replenished as quickly as possible.
• Helpline: Citizens can report unauthorized hoarding or issues at fuel stations by calling the Civil Supplies helpline at 1967.

Expert Insight: Why Logic Fails Against Rumor

Industry experts note that this cycle of panic buying is becoming an all-too-familiar issue. Rajiv Amaram, joint secretary of the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD), emphasized that while the fuel supply chain is robust, it is designed for a steady, predictable demand.

“When everyone decides to fill up their tank on the same day due to a rumor, the system naturally breaks down. It takes time for the tankers to reach the bunks, and it takes time for the machines to dispense fuel. The shortage is purely a function of mass anxiety, not a lack of inventory,” Amaram explained.

Looking Ahead

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and expect the queues to dissipate by Wednesday as the rumors are debunked and supply levels at individual stations stabilize. For now, the city remains advised to practice patience.

Advice to Commuters:

• Check Fuel Levels Early: Avoid waiting until your tank is empty.
• Ignore Unverified Messages: Rely only on official statements from the Civil Supplies Department or credible news outlets.
• Avoid Hoarding: Purchasing more fuel than necessary poses safety hazards and exacerbates the very shortages people are trying to avoid.

As Hyderabad navigates this second day of disruption, the message from the streets is clear: the only thing running out faster than the fuel is the public’s patience.