Seeing long queues at petrol pumps, gas stations? Here’s the real fuel situation

People rushed to fuel and gas stations in several cities on Tuesday amid rumours of a shortage triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, even as the government asserted that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and cooking gas are available across the country.

Photos and videos circulating from cities such as Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Hyderabad showed long queues at fuel stations following speculation over possible supply disruptions.

What’s the situation?

At an inter-ministerial media briefing, senior officials said panic buying in some areas had led to “unusually high sales and crowding” at petrol pumps, but emphasised that the overall fuel supply situation remains stable.

“All retail outlets are operating normally across the country,” the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said in a statement, urging citizens not to believe rumours.

The ministry said all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's largest oil firm, said "there is no shortage of petrol or diesel", adding that its outlets are "well-stocked and fully operational".

It cautioned that rumours "can create unnecessary concern and disrupt normal supply patterns" and urged citizens to "avoid panic buying and rely only on verified information".

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) termed reports of fuel shortages in certain areas "completely unfounded", asserting that "there is no shortage of fuel across the nation".

The company said India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel and has "adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and ATF", with supply chains operating "smoothly without any disruption".

It added that it remains "fully operational and committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply".

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) also said there is "no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG across the country", with supplies remaining stable and stocks adequate.

It advised customers not to be misled by rumours or engage in panic buying, and to "continue with normal consumption patterns", adding that it is committed to ensuring "an uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply" across its network.

Domestic LPG production from refineries has also been increased compared to pre-crisis levels, it added.

The government, however, acknowledged that LPG supply has been impacted due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, though no “dry-outs” have been reported at distributorships.

“Panic bookings showed a marginal increase yesterday, while delivery of domestic LPG cylinders continues as normal,” it added.

Commercial LPG shortage

The Centre has stepped up allocation of commercial LPG, taking total allocation to 50%.

The additional 20% allocation will be given on priority to restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing/dairy, subsidised canteens/outlets run by state government or local bodies for food, community kitchen.

The government has allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitre of kerosene to states and UTs, which have been requested to identify district-level distribution points.

On natural gas, the government said priority sectors such as domestic PNG and CNG transport continue to receive full supplies, while industrial and commercial users are receiving about 80% of their average consumption.

City gas companies have been asked to prioritise PNG connections, particularly for households and institutions. The government has also urged states to crack down on hoarding and black marketing. Over the past 24 hours, around 3,400 raids were conducted, about 1,000 cylinders seized, 642 FIRs registered and 155 people arrested in enforcement drives across states, the government said.

State governments have been asked to maintain strict vigilance under the Essential Commodities Act and issue public advisories to prevent panic buying.

The government reiterated that India has sufficient fuel supplies despite disruptions in global energy markets due to the conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Two LPG carriers — Pine Gas and Jag Vasant — recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India carrying cargo, expected to arrive at New Mangalore and Kandla ports later this week.

The government advised citizens to avoid panic purchases, rely on official information, conserve energy and use alternative options such as PNG and electric cooking solutions.