No Shortage of Fuel or LPG: Government Confirms 60-Day Crude Stock; Slams ‘Mischievous’ Misinformation Campaign
New Delhi, March 26, 2026: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a stern clarification on Thursday, reassuring citizens that India’s fuel and LPG supplies are entirely secure. The government categorically denied rumors of shortages, labeling recent social media reports as a “deliberately mischievous and coordinated campaign” designed to incite unjustified public panic.
As global energy markets face volatility, the Ministry emphasized that India remains an “oasis of energy security,” bolstered by its status as the world’s fourth-largest refiner.
No Fuel Rationing; Structural Availability Assured
Contrary to viral videos suggesting impending lockdowns or fuel quotas, the Ministry confirmed that all 1 lakh-plus retail outlets across the nation are dispensing petrol and diesel without interruption.
“Not a single outlet has been asked to ration supply,” the official statement read. To support pump owners facing high demand due to localized panic buying, Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have increased credit windows from one day to three days, ensuring working capital issues do not hinder fuel availability.
Strategic Reserves and Crude Oil Stability
Addressing claims that India only holds six days of fuel stock, the government provided a transparent breakdown of its reserves:
- Total Reserve Capacity: 74 days.
- Current Actual Stock: Approximately 60 days (including crude, product stocks, and strategic caverns).
- Future Security: Crude oil supplies for the next 60 days have already been tied up by Indian oil companies.
Despite tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, India has diversified its imports, receiving crude from over 41 global suppliers. Domestic refineries are currently operating at over 100% utilization to meet demand.
LPG and PNG: Production Ramped Up
The Ministry also addressed concerns regarding cooking gas. Following the recent LPG Control Order, domestic production has been boosted by 40%, now reaching 50 TMT daily. This covers over 60% of the national requirement, significantly reducing import dependency.
“The claim that Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is being pushed because LPG is running out is blatant misinformation,” the Ministry stated. While PNG is being promoted for its cost-effectiveness and safety, the government assured that 800 TMT of LPG cargoes are already en route from the U.S., Russia, and Australia.
Warning Against Rumor-Mongering
The government has noted with “serious concern” the use of manipulated global news footage to create a false impression of a domestic crisis. Authorities warned that spreading false information regarding essential commodities is a legal offense. Citizens are urged to rely solely on official communications and ignore fabricated claims of “national energy emergencies.”
