'India has sufficient fuel stocks': Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL say petrol, diesel supplies normal, no need to panic

State-run oil marketing companies urge citizens not to panic or crowd fuel stations, saying India has adequate fuel stocks and supply networks are operating normally.

• India has ample petrol and diesel, no shortages reported.
• Oil companies urge citizens not to panic or crowd fuel stations.
• India can ramp up oil supplies from other regions if needed.

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Indian Oil Corporation Limited on March 6 said reports circulating on social media claiming a shortage of petrol and diesel in India are baseless, adding that fuel stocks in the country remain adequate and supply systems are functioning normally.

In a post on X, IndianOil said the country’s fuel distribution network continues to operate without disruption.

“Reports on social media suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel are baseless. India has sufficient fuel stocks, and supply and distribution networks are functioning normally,” the company said.

The company also urged citizens not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely on official sources for accurate information.

“IndianOil is committed to maintaining an uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. Citizens are requested not to panic or crowd fuel stations and to rely only on official sources for accurate information,” it added.

BPCL and HPCL issue similar assurances

Other state-run oil marketing companies issued similar statements on March 6.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited said rumours about fuel shortages are unfounded and supply chains are operating normally.

“Rumors of petrol and diesel shortages are completely unfounded. India has ample fuel reserves and supply chains are running normally. BPCL is fully operational and committed to uninterrupted fuel supply,” the company said.

BPCL also urged the public not to rely on rumours or rush to fuel stations.

“Please don't rely on rumours or crowd fuel stations and only rely on official sources for further information,” it said.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited also issued an advisory stating that messages about petrol and diesel shortages circulating in some areas are misleading.

“Some misleading messages regarding shortage of petrol and diesel are circulating in certain areas. These claims are completely unfounded. Fuel supplies across Bharat remain normal,” HPCL said.

The company said adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available and supply operations continue across the country.

“HPCL remains fully operational and is committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability for all customers through its nationwide retail network,” the company said, urging citizens not to panic or rush to fuel stations.

Background: Energy concerns amid West Asia conflict

The statements from oil marketing companies come amid global energy supply concerns following escalating tensions in West Asia.

According to the information provided, the current phase of the conflict began on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior figures in the Islamic Republic.

Iran subsequently carried out counter-strikes targeting American military bases and Israeli-linked assets across the region.

The developments have raised concerns about possible disruptions to global oil supply, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.

India’s oil dependence and supply routes

India sources nearly 40 percent of its crude oil imports from the Middle East, with a significant portion transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

The strait is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for oil shipments, connecting Gulf oil producers with international markets.

Officials cited in the report said India remains in a comfortable position in terms of crude oil, petroleum product and LPG stocks.

According to sources, the government has assessed that India can ramp up supplies from other regions if disruptions occur in the Strait of Hormuz.

Growing share of Russian oil imports

India has also been purchasing crude oil from Russia since 2022.

Sources said Russian crude accounted for about 0.2 percent of India’s total oil imports in 2022. By February this year, that share had risen to about 20 percent.

The increase followed changes in global oil trade flows after the Ukraine conflict and sanctions on Russian energy exports.

US waiver on Russian oil purchases

The developments also come after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil.

The measure was described as a short-term step to ensure oil flows into global markets while tensions in West Asia affect Gulf oil supplies.

Officials said the waiver was intended to help stabilise global energy supply during the conflict.