New Delhi

The Centre on Saturday appealed to citizens not to engage in panic buying of petrol, diesel or cooking gas, asserting that fuel availability remains stable despite disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said it is taking proactive measures to maintain uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and LPG across the country. It also urged the public to depend only on verified information and adopt energy-saving practices.

The government said priority is being given to domestic LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) supplies, especially for households, hospitals and other essential services. Steps have also been taken to enhance refinery output and regulate demand, including extending the interval between LPG refills.

To curb malpractice, enforcement agencies have intensified action against hoarding and black marketing. More than 3,700 inspections have been carried out, nearly 1,000 show-cause notices issued, and 27 LPG distributorships suspended so far.

Despite global supply pressures, officials said there are no signs of shortages at LPG distribution points. Around 51 lakh cylinders were delivered on Friday, with nearly 95 per cent of bookings made through online platforms.

As part of demand management, commercial LPG supply has been restricted to 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, while alternatives such as kerosene and coal are being utilised to ease pressure.

On the natural gas front, the government said supplies to households and transport sectors remain uninterrupted, while allocations to industries and fertiliser units are being gradually scaled up with the help of incoming LNG shipments.

The ministry added that refineries are functioning at near-full capacity with sufficient crude stock, and fuel outlets across the country continue to operate normally.

To cushion consumers from rising international oil prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and imposed export duties on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure adequate domestic availability.

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State governments have been directed to strengthen monitoring, counter misinformation and ensure smooth distribution, with the Centre reiterating that India’s overall energy supply situation remains secure.