Telangana is witnessing a significant increase in demand for petroleum products in recent times due to intensified agricultural and harvesting activities as major grain procurement operations are under way in the State, according to an official statement issued on behalf of PSU oil marketing companies IOC, BPCL and HPCL.

Further, retail consumers of other suppliers (private oil firms) are increasingly shifting to public sector retail outlets due to competitive pricing. Institutional and commercial consumers are also preferring PSU retail outlets owing to the price advantage, the companies said on Monday.

During the first three weeks of May, diesel sales increased 12.6% and petrol by 9% in the State compared to same period of previous year. The OMCs delivered more than 37 lakh domestic LPG cylinders across Telangana thus far this month.

Despite the sharp increase in fuel demand across various sectors, the supply chain is continuing smoothly. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) are coordinating operations and logistics around the clock to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG across the State, according to the release.

Five districts in the State recorded more than 25% growth in diesel sales from PSU retail outlets while 12 districts recorded growth between 15-25%.

Public sector oil marketing companies said they are continuously reviewing stock positions and coordinating logistics and distribution planning to effectively meet the increased demand. The oil industry assures consumers adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the State and that all necessary measures are being taken in constant coordination with the Union Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and the State administration to maintain uninterrupted and smooth supply.