The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday, 26 March, said that India’s petroleum and LPG supply remains fully secure and under control, rejecting claims of shortages and warning against what it described as a coordinated misinformation campaign.
The ministry stated that all one lakh-plus retail fuel outlets across the country are fully operational and dispensing petrol and diesel without interruption.
It clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in India, and no outlet has been asked to ration fuel supply.
On petrol and diesel availability, the ministry highlighted that India is the world’s fourth largest refiner and fifth largest exporter of petroleum products, supplying fuel to over 150 countries.
This structural strength ensures domestic availability remains stable even during global disruptions.
It added that while isolated instances of panic buying were reported at select pumps, these were triggered by misleading social media content and were quickly managed.
Oil companies have increased credit availability to petrol pumps to over three days, from one day earlier, to ensure uninterrupted supply.
On crude oil supply, the ministry said India continues to receive adequate volumes from over 41 international suppliers, despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
It stated that increased supplies from global markets, particularly from the western hemisphere, have more than compensated for any disruptions.
All Indian refineries are currently operating at over 100 per cent capacity, with crude oil supplies secured for the next 60 days.
Addressing concerns over reserves, the ministry clarified that India has a total reserve capacity of 74 days, with current stock cover at around 60 days.
This includes crude oil, petroleum products, and strategic reserves stored in underground caverns.
The ministry dismissed claims suggesting India has only six days of fuel stock as misleading.
On LPG supply, the government said domestic production has increased by 40 per cent to 50 TMT per day, meeting more than 60 per cent of total demand.
India’s daily LPG requirement stands at around 80 TMT, with imports now reduced to 30 TMT.
Additionally, 800 TMT of LPG cargoes have already been secured and are en route from multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, and Australia.
These shipments are being handled across 22 LPG import terminals, compared to 11 in 2014.
The ministry said oil companies are delivering over 50 lakh LPG cylinders daily, with demand stabilising after a temporary spike caused by panic ordering.
Commercial cylinder allocation has also been increased to 50 per cent to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
On natural gas, the ministry said India produces 92 MMSCMD domestically out of a total requirement of 191 MMSCMD.
It emphasised that the expansion of piped natural gas is part of a long-term energy strategy and not a response to any supply shortage.
Domestic PNG connections have increased from 25 lakh to over 1.5 crore, with coverage expanding from 57 to more than 300 geographical areas since 2014.
The ministry also warned that spreading false information regarding fuel availability is an offence under applicable laws.
It urged citizens to rely only on official government communication and said strict action will be taken against those deliberately attempting to create panic.
