LPG, Fuel Shortage In India: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has confirmed that India’s fuel and LPG supplies are fully secure. All retail outlets have sufficient stock. Panic buying and misinformation are being spread via social media, but domestic production and imports fully secure supply. The Ministry advised citizens not to be misled by misinformation that is spreading unnecessary panic.
India is the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products, supplying fuel to over 150 countries. Domestic petrol and diesel availability is fully assured. All 1 lakh-plus fuel outlets are open, with no rationing.
Where isolated panic buying occurred, it was caused by misleading social media content. Oil company depots remained operational overnight, and credit to pumps has been extended to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Despite tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, India receives more crude oil from over 41 suppliers than before. Every refinery is operating at over 100% capacity. Supplies for the next 60 days are already secured, leaving no gap in availability.
The Ministry said that reports claiming only six days of stock are false. India has 74 days of total reserve capacity and around 60 days of actual stock, including crude, products, and strategic storage. Nearly two months of supply is secured, with additional crude procurement underway.
Domestic LPG production has risen by 40%, now covering over 60% of daily requirements. Imports of 800 TMT are secured from the United States, Russia, Australia, and other countries. Oil companies deliver over 50 lakh cylinders daily, with commercial allocations increased to prevent hoarding.
The Petroleum Ministry clarified that the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is being promoted because it is cleaner, safer, and more affordable. India produces 92 MMSCMD of natural gas daily, reducing import dependence. City gas distribution areas have grown from 57 in 2014 to over 300, with domestic connections rising from 25 lakh to over 1.5 crore. The LPG supply remains secure.
