Fuel on Edge: Petroleum Scarcity Hits South India, Triggers Panic Buying and Supply Strain

ByA.Vijayender Reddy  

 Dateline: Hyderabad/Chennai/Bengaluru | April 29, 2026

 South India is staring at an emerging fuel crisis as petroleum shortages begin to bite across major cities and rural belts, disrupting transport, industry, and daily life. Long queues were reported at petrol bunks in parts of Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, with several outlets running dry by evening.

The scarcity is being linked to a combination of supply chain disruptions, delayed tanker movements, and heightened demand amid logistical bottlenecks. Industry insiders point to refinery maintenance schedules and congestion at key ports as contributing factors, while transporters cite delays in dispatch and interstate movement hurdles.

In cities like Hyderabad and Chennai, panic buying has intensified the situation, with motorists rushing to fill tanks and stock fuel in containers despite advisories against hoarding. Several fuel stations have begun rationing sales, limiting the amount per vehicle to manage dwindling reserves.

State governments have stepped in to review the situation, holding emergency meetings with oil marketing companies and transport authorities. Officials assure that steps are being taken to restore normal supply within days, urging the public to avoid panic and unnecessary purchases

Experts warn that if supply stabilization measures are delayed, the shortage could impact essential services, including public transport, agriculture operations, and goods movement, potentially leading to a ripple effect on prices of commodities across the region.