India’s fuel stocks sufficient for 60 days: Govt

Metro India News | new delhi

The government on Thursday said India has sufficient fuel reserves, asserting there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG, and dismissed reports of scarcity as “deliberate misinformation” aimed at triggering panic buying.

Amid concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the country currently has about 60 days of oil stock cover, including crude, refined products and strategic reserves. It added that crude supplies for the next two months have already been secured through diversified sourcing, even as disruptions continue around the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministry said all petrol pumps across the country are adequately stocked and operating normally, with no rationing in place. Over one lakh retail outlets are dispensing fuel without interruption, it noted, urging citizens not to be misled by false claims circulating on social media.

To address logistical issues faced by some petrol pump operators, especially in smaller towns, oil companies have increased credit limits from one day to over three days, ensuring uninterrupted supply.

On LPG, the government said 800,000 tonnes of cargoes have been secured from multiple countries, including the United States, Russia and Australia, ensuring stable availability. This, along with enhanced domestic production, has enabled the country to arrange one full month of LPG supply.

Domestic LPG output has been ramped up by 40 per cent to about 50,000 tonnes per day, meeting more than 60 per cent of national demand. The remaining requirement is being met through imports, which have now been streamlined.

Oil marketing companies — Indian Oil, BPCL and HPCL — also reiterated that fuel supplies remain stable across their networks.

The government said panic buying witnessed at a few locations was limited and driven by misleading information. It warned that strict action would be taken against those spreading false claims.

Emphasising India’s energy resilience, the ministry said refineries are operating at over 100 per cent capacity and the country continues to meet both domestic demand and export commitments without disruption.