Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has provided a firm assurance that supplies of petrol and diesel across India remain stable and uninterrupted, despite ongoing disruptions triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The statement aims to allay consumer concerns amid volatility in global energy markets.
Ample Fuel Reserves Across Northern Regions
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Ashutosh Gupta, Executive Director and State Head of IOCL's Punjab State Office, detailed the company's substantial fuel reserves. He confirmed that IOCL currently holds sufficient stocks across Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Chandigarh, both at depots and retail outlets.
"There is absolutely no shortage of petrol and diesel, there is no shortage of transport fuel at all," Gupta emphasized. "At our depots and terminals as of date, we have got a stock of 12 days for petrol, and diesel is about 16 days."
Retail Outlet Stocks Remain Comfortable
Gupta further indicated that fuel availability at petrol pumps is well within comfortable levels, dismissing any immediate concerns among consumers. He provided specific figures to reinforce this point.
"At our retail outlets as of date, we have got a petrol stock of about 13 days and diesel of about 6 days," Gupta noted. "There is absolutely no reason for any concern on the petrol and diesel side."
LPG Supply Normal But Delivery Times Extended
On liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Gupta reported that supply remains steady, though delivery timelines have stretched significantly due to a surge in bookings. He attributed this to precautionary demand from consumers reacting to the Middle East situation.
"The domestic LPG supplies have been normal... however, because of the conflict... There has been an increase in the bookings, and ultimately, resulting in the booking period to delivery period has increased," he explained.
Delivery times have risen from around two days to roughly six days at present, according to Gupta's assessment.
India's Dependence on LPG Imports
Highlighting India's reliance on imports for LPG, Gupta revealed that a majority of supplies are sourced externally, with significant dependence on Middle Eastern countries.
"India meets its LPG requirement, almost 60 per cent of that is made through imports and out of that 60 per cent imports, 90 per cent is sourced from the Middle Eastern countries," he stated.
Despite this dependence, he assured that supply chains continue to function smoothly through coordinated efforts between the Centre and state governments.
Domestic Refineries and Priority Distribution
Gupta pointed out that domestic refineries, including those in Panipat and Bathinda, are meeting nearly 80 per cent of LPG demand in Punjab and Chandigarh. This local production helps mitigate some import reliance.
The company is ensuring priority distribution for essential services, including:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Educational institutions
- The pharmaceutical sector
Rise in Digital Adoption for LPG Bookings
In a positive development, IOCL has witnessed a significant increase in digital adoption for LPG bookings, which Gupta said has enhanced both efficiency and transparency in the supply chain.
"Digital bookings... were around 81 per cent... which has gone up to 93 per cent... today," he reported, indicating improved customer engagement with digital platforms.
Coordinated Efforts Maintain Supply Stability
While global developments continue to pose logistical challenges, Gupta emphasized that ongoing coordination between oil companies and government authorities is helping maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies across the region.
The assurance comes against the backdrop of volatility in global energy markets amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, a key source of India's fuel imports. IOCL's detailed stock disclosures and operational updates aim to provide clarity and confidence to consumers during this period of uncertainty.
