The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday said India’s petroleum and LPG supply remains fully secure, with no shortages reported across the country. It urged citizens not to be misled by what it described as a coordinated misinformation campaign aimed at creating panic. 

“All retail fuel outlets have adequate stocks and are operating normally. There is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country,” the ministry said in a statement. 

No shortage or rationing of fuel 

The ministry asserted that India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products ensures strong domestic availability. More than one lakh fuel retail outlets are functioning without disruption, and no directive has been issued for rationing. 

It noted that isolated instances of panic buying at select outlets were triggered by misleading social media content. Oil companies have since ramped up supplies, with depots operating round the clock and additional credit extended to petrol pumps to prevent any working capital constraints. 

Crude supplies remain robust 

Addressing concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the ministry said India has diversified sourcing from over 41 global suppliers, ensuring uninterrupted crude availability. 

It added that higher supplies from international markets, particularly the western hemisphere, have more than offset any disruptions. Refineries are currently operating at over 100% utilisation, with crude supplies secured for the next 60 days, leaving no supply gap. 

Strategic reserves adequate 

The government rejected claims that India has only a few days of fuel reserves, calling them misleading. It said the country has a total reserve capacity of 74 days, with current stock cover around 60 days, including crude, refined products and strategic cavern storage. 

Nearly two months of assured supply is available, and additional crude procurement has already been secured, ensuring stability even amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. 

LPG supply strengthened, imports secured 

The ministry said there is no shortage of LPG, with domestic production increased by 40% following recent policy measures. Daily output has risen to about 50 TMT against a requirement of 80 TMT, reducing import dependence to 30 TMT. 

Additionally, around 800 TMT of LPG cargoes from countries including the US, Russia and Australia are already en route to India’s 22 import terminals. Oil companies are currently delivering over 50 lakh cylinders daily, with supply normalising after a temporary spike in demand due to panic ordering. 

PNG push part of long-term strategy 

The promotion of piped natural gas (PNG), the ministry clarified, is part of a long-term transition toward cleaner and cheaper energy, and not a response to any shortage. 

India produces about 92 MMSCMD of natural gas domestically against a demand of 191 MMSCMD, while city gas distribution has expanded significantly over the past decade, with household PNG connections rising to over 1.5 crore. 

Warning against misinformation 

The ministry expressed concern over misleading social media posts falsely depicting fuel shortages, rationing and emergency measures. It said some content has misrepresented routine administrative orders as crisis responses to create unwarranted anxiety. 

Citizens have been advised to rely only on official communication for accurate information. The government warned that spreading false information about essential commodities is punishable under law and strict action will be taken against those attempting to incite panic.