Petrol bunks in Visakhapatnam shut early ahead of fuel price revision

Several petrol bunks across Visakhapatnam reportedly closed operations by 9 p.m. on Monday, hours before the revised petrol and diesel prices came into effect in the early hours of Tuesday.

Oil marketing companies increased the prices of petrol and diesel by 95 paise per litre each. Anticipating the revision, many fuel station operators are said to have suspended sales on Monday night, citing depletion of fuel stocks.

The situation was observed at several outlets along the national highway stretch from Akkayyapalem to Endada. Similar reports emerged from HPCL fuel stations near the Tahsildar’s office in Seethammadhara and beside Bullayya College.

According to sources in the fuel retail sector, dealers had prior information about the impending price hike and sought to conserve existing stock before the revised rates came into force. Oil companies, too, were reportedly regulating supplies to retail outlets. Dealers who sought two tanker loads were allegedly supplied only one, while others received reduced quantities.

In addition, restrictions were said to have been imposed on diesel sales, with retail outlets reportedly instructed not to supply more than 300 litres to a single customer.

Industry sources attributed the supply constraints and periodic fuel price revisions to continuing volatility in international crude oil markets amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The Centre is understood to have advised oil companies to implement smaller, phased increases in fuel prices rather than impose a steep hike at one time, in an effort to lessen the burden on consumers.

The early closure of petrol bunks caused inconvenience to motorists in several parts of the city. Consumers and residents have urged the Civil Supplies Department to examine the alleged supply restrictions and ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel at retail outlets.