Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Auto LPG shortage has prompted Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy to review transport and fuel supply options.
He chaired an emergency meeting with officials and LPG suppliers, including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, TotalEnergies, Super Gas and Go Gas.
Hyderabad Auto LPG shortage and supply gap
Officials said the city needs about 202 metric tonnes of Auto LPG daily. However, current supply stands at 147 MT. This leaves a deficit of around 55 MT, or nearly 30%.
Private firms control nearly 75% of the market. The shortage mainly affects this segment. In contrast, PSUs have maintained relatively stable supplies.
For instance, Indian Oil supplies about 35 MT daily through 23 outlets. Across the city, Hyderabad has 143 Auto LPG outlets. At present, around 25 outlets remain non-functional.
Government steps to ease transport pressure
Uttam Kumar Reddy asked officials to explore ways to increase public transport. He suggested scaling up services of Hyderabad Metro Rail and Telangana State Road Transport Corporation buses.
He said these steps can reduce pressure on auto-rickshaws and support commuters.
The Minister also directed Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra to engage with auto unions. He urged transparent communication to maintain calm among drivers.
Centre urged to intervene
Officials have written to Hardeep Singh Puri seeking urgent intervention. The state wants faster supplies and support to stabilise the market.
The Minister said he will consult the Chief Secretary and brief Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy before taking final decisions.
Reasons behind the shortage
Officials linked the crisis to delays in LPG vessel arrivals. These delays range from two to three days.
Global supply disruptions in West Asia have also affected shipments. Private firms depend on imports routed through ports like Krishnapatnam, Mumbai and Jaigad.
Some companies are exploring alternate sources. However, they have not confirmed timelines yet.
Overall, the Hyderabad Auto LPG shortage has affected urban mobility, prompting the government to act on both supply and transport fronts.
