Farmers,aquaculture operators,and auto-rickshaw drivers in Andhra Pradesh are struggling with severe diesel shortage,said M.V.S. Nagi Reddy, general secretary of YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). He warned ongoing crisis,now in its fifth day,could hit state's economy hard if not fixed fast.
Thursday,Reddy slammed state government for fuel scarcity forcing many to wait hours at stations. He questioned why Andhra Pradesh faces such sharp shortage,especially with strategic crude oil storage and refinery sitting in Visakhapatnam.
Timing couldn't be worse for farmers . Paddy harvesting in full swing across districts. Reddy said lack of diesel slowing down tractors, harvesters, pushing up costs. Some farmers buying diesel at high prices from unofficial sellers,he claimed.
Aquaculture sector also hurting. Reddy noted diesel-powered aerators key for oxygen in shrimp ponds,especially during power cuts. Disruptions could cost aqua farmers big.
Auto-rickshaw drivers,transport operators hit too,reduced earnings from fuel shortage. State government says measures underway to restore diesel supplies across Andhra Pradesh…but will it be enough,soon enough?
