The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday issued an eight-point clarification on India’s petroleum and LPG supply, amid circulating claims of shortages linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis. The Ministry categorically stated that India’s fuel and gas situation is fully secure and under control.

“All retail fuel outlets have enough supplies. There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country,” it said. Citizens were urged not to be misled by “a deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign of misinformation” spreading panic online and in public discourse.

1. Petrol and Diesel: No Shortage, No Rationing

India remains “an oasis of energy security.” As the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products, India supplies refined fuel to over 150 countries. Domestic petrol and diesel availability is “structurally assured,” with all 1 lakh-plus retail outlets operating normally.

“Not a single outlet has been asked to ration supply,” the Ministry clarified. While isolated panic buying occurred at select pumps due to misinformation on social media, fuel was dispensed to all consumers. Oil company depots remained operational overnight, and credit for petrol pumps has been increased to over three days to avoid working capital issues.

Unlike other nations facing rationing, odd-even rules, and station closures, India “does not feel the need for any such measures.”

2. Crude Oil Supply: Gap Fully Compensated

Despite tensions at the Strait of Hormuz, India is receiving more crude from its 41-plus global suppliers than previously through the straits. High international volumes, especially from the western hemisphere, have “more than compensated for any disruption.” Indian refineries are running at over 100% utilisation, and crude supplies for the next 60 days are already secured.

3. Strategic Reserves: Complete and Accurate Picture

Claims suggesting only six days of stock were dismissed as false. India has 74 days of total reserve capacity, with around 60 days currently available. “Nearly two months of steady supply is available for every Indian citizen regardless of what happens globally,” the Ministry said.

4. LPG: Production Up, Import Requirement Down

Domestic LPG production has increased by 40%, meeting over 60% of demand, with import requirements reduced to 30 TMT daily. 800 TMT of cargoes are secured from the US, Russia, Australia, and other countries, arriving at India’s 22 LPG import terminals. Oil companies are delivering over 50 lakh cylinders daily, while commercial allocations have been increased to 50% to prevent hoarding.

5. PNG: Long-Term Strategy, Not Crisis Response

Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is being promoted as a cleaner, cheaper, and safer household fuel. Domestic gas production meets 92 MMSCMD of a 191 MMSCMD daily requirement. PNG expansion, already underway before the crisis, has grown city coverage from 57 areas in 2014 to over 300, with domestic connections rising from 25 lakh to over 1.5 crore. LPG supply remains secure.

6. Government Warning: Misleading Social Media Posts

The Ministry noted with concern misleading posts using queues, foreign rationing footage, and fabricated claims of fuel lockdowns to create panic.

7. Misrepresentation of Government Orders

Some posts falsely presented the Natural Gas Control Order and LPG Control Order as emergency declarations, when they are routine administrative measures to prioritise supply.

8. Action Against Misinformation

“Spreading false information regarding essential commodity availability is an offence under applicable laws,” the Ministry warned. Citizens were urged to rely only on official communications. The government will act against those deliberately creating panic.