Hyderabad | April 30, 2026
Hyderabad witnessed widespread traffic congestion on Thursday as a sudden petrol shortage in several parts of the city led to long queues at fuel stations, disrupting daily commutes and triggering panic among motorists.
From the IT corridors of HITEC City to residential zones in Kukatpally and Dilsukhnagar, hundreds of vehicles lined up outside petrol bunks as early as 7 AM, creating bottlenecks on major roads.
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Long Queues, Rising Frustration
Commuters reported waiting times of over 30–45 minutes at several fuel stations. Two-wheeler riders and cab drivers were among the worst affected, with many forced to delay or cancel trips.
“I spent nearly an hour just to get fuel. It completely disrupted my work schedule,” said a delivery executive waiting near a busy fuel station in the western part of the city.
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What Caused the Shortage?
According to officials from Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum, the shortage was caused by a temporary supply disruption linked to delayed tanker movement and increased demand over the past few days.
While authorities clarified that there is no long-term shortage, the sudden dip in supply created panic buying, further aggravating the situation.
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Traffic Police Issue Advisory
The Hyderabad Traffic Police issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and cooperate with officials managing traffic near fuel stations.
Several key junctions reported heavy congestion during peak hours, including routes connecting Madhapur, Ameerpet, and LB Nagar.
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Impact on Public and Services
* Ride-hailing services saw delays and fare surges
* School buses and office transport services were affected
* Emergency vehicles faced slow movement in congested areas
Local businesses also reported a slowdown in customer footfall due to accessibility issues.
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Situation Expected to Improve
Fuel companies have assured that supply will normalize within the next 24 hours as additional tankers are being deployed across the city.
Officials have also appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying and maintain orderly queues at petrol stations.
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Ground Reality
Despite reassurances, the situation highlighted Hyderabad’s vulnerability to sudden supply chain disruptions and the cascading effect it can have on urban mobility.
As the city continues to expand rapidly, experts stress the need for better contingency planning and stronger infrastructure to handle such crises efficiently.
