Amid rumored shortage of LPG in Hyderabad, consumers steal cylinders
Hyderabad: As the city continues to grapple with the rumoured shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), people were seen stealing cylinders at a gas agency on Thursday, March 26.
According to reports, the incident occurred near a gas agency at Shaikpet where some consumers grabbed the cylinders from a vehicle. A video shared on social media shows a consumer trying to get away after grabbing the cylinder.
As the agency staff tried to stop the man, residents gathered at the spot, which led to a commotion. The man is seen placing the cylinder on his head before being confronted by a staff member. The situation escalated when some bystanders also tried to grab the cylinders.
Consumers are frustrated while waiting for the cylinders and are not able to get them despite prior booking.
No LPG shortage in Telangana, says government
The incident at Shaikpet comes two days after the Telangana government gave an assurance to the people that there is no shortage of LPG in the state.
On March 24, the Telangana Consumer Affairs, Food and Civil Supplies Department, said the supply chain from oil refineries to local depots is fully operational, and self-sufficient stock is available to meet the regular daily requirements of all citizens across all districts.
Recent reports of long queues and temporary “No Stock” boards at certain retail petrol outlets are strictly the result of sudden, unwarranted panic buying fueled by false rumors. Often, artificial scarcity is created when citizens rush to fill their tanks to full capacity, despite adequate fuel available at the depots, the department said.
Recent administrative changes regarding advance-payment models by Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) have caused minor, temporary logistical adjustments for some local dealers. This is solely an internal administrative measure and has nothing to do with a lack of supplies, it added.
To manage the situation and ensure equitable distribution, the central and state governments, in close coordination with OMCs and the police department, are actively monitoring fuel outlets. Strict action will be taken against anyone found hoarding fuel, engaging in black-marketing or illegally diverting domestic LPG cylinders for commercial use, the government agency said.
The government has appealed to all citizens to remain calm and avoid panic buying. They advised the public to trust official communications and refrain from believing or forwarding unverified rumors on social media.