The Petroleum Ministry on Friday maintained that India has adequate fuel supplies for the next several months, with a total reserve capacity of 74 days and current stock cover of around 60 days, dismissing reports of shortages amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
In a statement, the ministry said “nearly two months of steady supply is available for every Indian citizen regardless of what happens globally”, adding that crude procurement for the next two months has also been secured.
The clarification comes against the backdrop of what the government described as “needless misinformation” suggesting that fuel stocks in the country were limited to six to ten days. The ministry asserted that such claims should be “dismissed with the disdain it deserves”.
India maintains fuel reserves at two levels. Oil Marketing Companies, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), hold about 67 to 70 days of stocks, while strategic reserves stored in underground caverns account for 53 lakh metric tonnes of petroleum for emergencies.
The ministry said India remains well insulated due to its refining capacity and export strength. “We are the world’s fourth largest refiner and fifth largest exporter of petroleum products, supplying refined fuel to over 150 countries,” it said, adding that domestic availability of petrol and diesel is “structurally assured”.
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All fuel retail outlets across the country are functioning normally, with no disruption in supply or rationing. “Not a single outlet has been asked to ration supply,” the ministry said.
Officials acknowledged isolated instances of panic buying at select petrol pumps, attributing them to misinformation circulating on social media. Despite a surge in demand at some outlets, supplies were maintained, with oil company depots operating through the night to replenish stocks.
To further ease supply concerns, oil companies have increased credit limits for petrol pump operators to more than three days from the earlier one day, ensuring uninterrupted availability of fuel.
The ministry contrasted India’s position with that of several countries facing energy disruptions, including rationing, station closures and emergency measures.
“India does not feel the need to take such extreme measures,” the statement said, urging citizens to remain calm and not be influenced by rumours.
The government reiterated that India’s energy security remains robust and that the strategic reserves, while significant, are supplementary in the current supply scenario.
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