Government Reaffirms Stable Fuel Supply Amid Global Tensions
The Indian government moved decisively on Thursday to reassure citizens about the nation's robust fuel supply situation, declaring it remains fully stable and secure. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a comprehensive statement confirming that India's petroleum and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems are operating under firm control, with no shortages of petrol, diesel, or LPG reported anywhere across the country.
Coordinated Misinformation Campaign Targeted
The ministry specifically warned against what it described as a coordinated misinformation campaign designed to create unnecessary panic among the public. This warning follows the Centre's earlier clarification dismissing reports about changes to LPG refill booking timelines. Officials emphasized that these claims were incorrect and misleading, reaffirming that existing timelines "remain unchanged and continue to" operate under current regulations.
India as 'Oasis of Energy Security'
In a detailed press release, the ministry reiterated India's position as what it called an "oasis of energy security" in the global landscape. The government highlighted that "India is the world's 4th largest refiner and 5th largest exporter of petroleum products, supplying refined fuel to over 150 countries." This substantial refining capacity forms the backbone of the nation's energy security framework.
Regarding petrol and diesel availability, the Centre provided concrete assurances that, as a net exporter, India's supply of these fuels is "structurally assured." The ministry confirmed that all 1 lakh-plus retail fuel outlets across India are operating normally and dispensing petrol and diesel without interruption. No outlet has received instructions to ration fuel, officials emphasized.
Addressing Panic Buying and Distribution
The ministry attributed reports of shortages at select locations to panic buying triggered by misinformation circulating on social media platforms. Despite temporary surges in demand, fuel continued to be supplied to all customers without disruption. Oil company depots have been operating round-the-clock to strengthen distribution networks, while oil companies have extended credit limits to petrol pumps to more than three days, up from one day earlier, ensuring smooth working capital flow and uninterrupted supply.
Global Supply Routes Secured
Addressing concerns about potential disruptions to global supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, the ministry provided detailed data showing India is currently receiving higher crude volumes from over 41 international suppliers than what previously came through the strategic waterway. Increased availability in global markets, particularly from the western hemisphere, has fully offset any potential disruption.
All Indian refineries are operating at over 100% capacity utilisation, according to ministry officials. Furthermore, crude oil requirements for the next 60 days have already been secured, with no supply gap identified in the system. "Crude oil supplies for next 60 days have already been tied up by Indian Oil companies," the statement confirmed.
LPG Production and Distribution Enhanced
Regarding LPG supply, a major concern for consumers amid Middle East tensions, the ministry reported no shortages anywhere in the country. Production has been significantly ramped up following the LPG Control Order, with domestic refinery output increasing by 40 percent to reach 50 thousand metric tonnes (TMT) per day. This represents more than 60 percent of the country's total daily requirement of approximately 80 TMT.
The net import requirement has consequently been reduced to 30 TMT per day. The ministry revealed that 800 TMT of LPG cargoes have already been secured and are currently en route from countries including the United States, Russia, and Australia. These supplies are arriving across 22 LPG import terminals, compared to just 11 terminals in 2014.
Approximately one month of LPG supply is fully secured, with further procurement ongoing. Oil companies are currently distributing over 50 lakh cylinders daily. Demand had briefly surged to 89 lakh cylinders due to panic buying but has since returned to normal levels. Commercial cylinder allocation has been increased to 50 percent in consultation with state governments to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Strategic Reserves and Storage Capacity
The ministry dismissed claims circulating online that India has only six days of fuel stock, providing detailed figures showing the country has a total reserve capacity of 74 days, with current stock cover at around 60 days. This includes crude stocks, product inventories, and strategic storage in underground caverns.
"Nearly two months of steady supply is available for every Indian citizen regardless of what happens globally," the ministry stated. "Next 2 months of crude procurement has also been secured. India is completely secure for next many months and the quantity in strategic cavern storage becomes secondary in such a supply situation."
Government Issues Stern Warning
Expressing serious concern, the ministry identified misleading videos and social media posts that misuse images of queues, foreign rationing situations, and fabricated claims about fuel emergencies in India. Certain posts have also misinterpreted routine administrative orders such as the Natural Gas Control Order and LPG Control Order as emergency declarations, when they are standard supply management measures.
The Ministry stated that these false narratives are being spread by miscreants and amplified by motivated elements, causing avoidable public anxiety. It urged citizens to depend only on official government communication for accurate information. The government further warned that spreading misinformation on essential commodities is a punishable offence under law, with strict action promised against those deliberately creating panic.
