REALITY CHECK: Did AP Govt Divert Diesel To Amaravati?

The Fuel Shortage situation in Andhra Pradesh eased so much since yesterday evening. It is near normal today as the vehicle queues at the Petrol Bunks have almost disappeared.

The other day, YSR Congress called for Protests at all the Petrol Bunks across the state calling the situation as a State Government manufactured crisis.

Meanwhile, they brought out a letter of Secretary of Civil Supplies to all HODs of Oil Companies to ensure adequate stock of Diesel for Amaravati construction works. The letter also outlines the requirement of 27,566 Kilo Liters until July end.

YSR Congress is trying to use this letter to create animosity in the people against the state government.

They have tried to build a narrative that the scarcity of the Diesel in the state is because the Government is trying to divert all Diesel to Amaravati leaving the people of other areas high and dry.

Andhra Pradesh consumes approximately 9,000–9,700 kilolitres (KL) per day. The total requirement of Amaravati works until the end of July is 27,566 Kilo Liters. That means approximately three days of total AP’s consumption.

The letter also means the Oil Companies would not send tankers of all the three months supplies at a time by stopping the Diesel supply to the entire state. This is also a ploy to create animosity towards Amaravati.

Importantly, Union Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal has clarified that retail fuel outlets are licensed only to dispense fuel into vehicle tanks or approved containers, not for bulk supply. This itself indicates that the kind of large-scale supply shift being alleged by the Opposition is not practically feasible.

Amaravati works are happening at the expense of Public Exchequer. There is labour and machinery which charges Lakhs per day.

If the Diesel shortage results in the stoppage of work, it will be a loss to the Public money. So what is wrong if the Government asks Oil Companies to ensure enough stocks for Amaravati construction works.

It is not like the Government wrote for the Diesel to be supplied for Chandrababu Naidu’s private use or his businesses.

It is unfortunate that the Opposition is pitting own capital to create hatred in our people.