Citing austerity measures over fuel supply because of the ongoing West Asia crisis, the Andhra Pradesh Civil Supplies Department earlier this month issued strict new rules to around 4,500 petrol and diesel outlets for fuel sales across the State.

In an official order dated May 4, 2026, Civil Supplies Commissioner K. Kanna Babu directed all District Collectors to ensure that petrol pumps fill fuel directly into vehicle tanks only.

Under Condition 16(4) of Form XIV of the Petroleum Rules, 2002, and the guidelines issued by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), petroleum products at retail outlets (ROs) are permitted to be dispensed only into the fuel tanks of vehicles or into approved containers, subject to a maximum limit of 200 litres.

The order further clarified that retail outlets are not licensed for bulk supply operations. Bulk supply of fuel is to be carried out only through well-established direct sales mechanisms designed to cater to bulk consumers. Any diversion of bulk fuel sourcing to retail outlets violates statutory provisions and raises serious concerns related to safety, licensing, and operations.

But the order stated that the supply of diesel for agricultural and aquaculture operations would be ensured in a hassle-free manner, based on actual requirements and subject to verification by the authorities concerned.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Babu confirmed that the orders had been issued and violations would attract action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other applicable laws.

Meanwhile, the AP Federation of Petroleum Traders welcomed the move but offered an alternative suggestion. Instead of putting restrictions on fuel sales, the federation proposed restricting the operating hours of petrol and diesel bunks across the State.

Federation president Raavi Gopala Krishna suggested that outlets should open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. for the general public. He said keeping retail outlets open late into the night or on a 24/7 basis contradicted energy efficiency goals.

On the other hand, the Consortium of Indian Petroleum Dealers (CIPD) blamed the institutional procurement of high-speed diesel for causing prolonged queueing and chaos at retail outlets.

Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in Andhra Pradesh on Monday (May 18, 2026) said the availability of petrol and diesel was sufficient to meet current demand, and that there was no shortage of these products anywhere in the State. The State-level Coordinator for OMCs said the public sector OMCs were closely monitoring the supply situation and taking steps to streamline logistics and expedite deliveries. During the first fortnight of this month, the OMCs registered a growth of 8.9% in petrol supplies and 15.3% in diesel supplies.

The OMCs also said domestic LPG delivery was normal in Andhra Pradesh, and that 32.90 lakh cylinders had been delivered this month.