A two-day nationwide agitation program has been announced on all petrol pumps. In this regard, petrol bunks in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh went on a “no oil purchase strike” on Thursday. The agitation program was announced the demanding increase in dealers’ commissions.

The strike triggered panic in both the states. Several petrol pumps, particularly in the districts, went dry by Thursday evening. This led to a severe difficulty to the motorists.

The condition is likely to worsen on Friday. Dealers have decided that they will not buy fuel from OMCs for the second continuous day.

OMC officials, meanwhile, have confirmed that there will no fuel shortage as the current stock is available at the petrol pumps. It will provide the demand for two more days.

In extension, the dealers will run petrol bunks in single shifts, from 9 am to 6 pm, from November 5.

They have also warned to shut down petrol pumps on November 15 if the Centre fails to answer to their requirements. The dealers have decided to keep holidays on Sunday and bank holidays from November 6.

General secretary of Telangana Petroleum Dealers’ Association G. Vinay Kumar said, “We are forced to go on strike since there is no response from the Centre on our demands. We have been waiting since 2011."

Oil marketing company officials said "talks with dealers were on. There is no need for panic buying. Talks are going on and the issue will be resolved very soon. The existing stocks can last for two days."

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BY M. DIVYA SRI