Hyderabad, Telangana, 28/03/2026: Union Minister of Coal and Mines, G. Kishan Reddy conducting a review meeting with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and Dealer Associations to assess the current situation of Petrol, Diesel, CNG and LPG in the State of Telangana, in Hyderabad on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
NAGARA GOPAL
Stating that the Union Government has reduced the special additional excise duty on petrol and diesel to support oil companies and shield consumers from a price hike, he asked the Congress Government in Telangana to reduce the very high rate of 35.20 per cent on petrol and diesel.
“We (the Union Government) have provided some relief. Now it is the State Government’s turn to reduce the tax to provide further relief,” he said.
Referring to the widespread concerns and long queues at petrol stations over the last few days, the Minister blamed them on social media and asserted that there was no problem with the availability of oil and LPG.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, he said the Government had provided tax relief to oil companies to help them absorb additional costs following the West Asia crisis, while shielding consumers from price hikes.
The Minister held a review meeting with representatives of oil companies and dealers to take stock of the situation regarding the availability of petrol, diesel and LPG following widespread rumours about shortages.
“Misinformation on social media is increasing panic among the people. Rumours of a petrol shortage have led to unnecessary crowding at petrol pumps,” he said.
“Several countries in the world have increased prices, reeling under the West Asia crisis. But the Indian Government had decided not to, providing relief to consumers,” he said.
Replying to a question on whether there would be any price hike after the elections to a few state assemblies, he said it was difficult to say, as it would be hard to predict how the situation would unfold globally.
“The government is taking effective measures to face the global challenge. Efforts are underway to increase internal refining capacity and ensure the necessary fuel is available within the country. Furthermore, progress is being made to successfully import the required petroleum products,” he said.
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Executive Director Piyush Mittal, who participated in the review meeting, asserted that oil companies are meeting all the additional demand that the city is witnessing. “The State Capital is getting good supplies from Paradeep and Visakhapatnam. There is absolutely no problem,” he said.
Published on March 28, 2026