New Delhi

State-run oil marketing companies on Friday dismissed rumours of a petrol and diesel shortage in India, assuring citizens that fuel stocks remain sufficient and supply chains are functioning without disruption despite rising tensions in West Asia.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Indian Oil Corporation Limited clarified that claims circulating online about a possible shortage of fuel are unfounded. The company said the country has adequate reserves and that distribution systems across India are operating normally.

IndianOil emphasised that it remains committed to ensuring a steady supply of fuel nationwide. The company also appealed to the public not to panic or rush to fuel stations, urging people to rely only on verified and official sources for information.

Other public sector oil marketing companies also issued similar clarifications. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) said reports suggesting a shortage of petrol and diesel are incorrect and that the country has sufficient fuel stocks. The company added that its supply network is operating smoothly and that it is fully prepared to maintain uninterrupted fuel availability.

BPCL also advised people not to believe unverified reports circulating online and requested citizens to avoid unnecessary crowding at petrol pumps.

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) likewise reassured consumers that there is no disruption in fuel availability. The company noted that misleading messages about shortages were being circulated in some areas but stressed that these claims are inaccurate.

HPCL said adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available and that supply operations are continuing seamlessly across its nationwide network. The company also urged the public to avoid panic buying and to depend on official channels for reliable updates.

These assurances come at a time when global energy markets are closely monitoring developments in West Asia, where rising geopolitical tensions have raised concerns about potential disruptions to oil supplies.

Government sources indicated that India currently has comfortable reserves of crude oil, petroleum products and LPG. Officials added that contingency plans are in place to increase imports from other regions if supply routes are affected.

A key concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route through which nearly 40 per cent of India’s crude oil imports are transported. Any disruption in this passage could impact global oil flows.

Sources also noted that India has significantly increased its crude oil purchases from Russia since 2022. While Russian oil accounted for only about 0.2 per cent of India’s imports in 2022, the share rose to around 20 per cent of total imports by February this year.

Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently announced a 30-day waiver allowing India to continue purchasing Russian oil. The measure is intended to ensure stability in global oil markets while addressing the impact of ongoing tensions in West Asia, which have affected crude supplies from several Gulf countries.

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India currently imports nearly 40 per cent of its crude oil from the West Asian region, making stability in the area crucial for the country’s energy security.