NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAR 26
In a strong, no-nonsense rebuttal to viral rumours, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has declared that India’s fuel and LPG supply is fully secure, urging citizens to reject misinformation campaigns aimed at triggering panic buying.
A social media post claims that India’s Petroleum Ministry has officially announced that only 2 days worth of petrol is left in the India#PIBFactCheck
❌ This claim is #FAKE
✅ @PetroleumMin has made NO such announcement
✅ Indian refineries are running at over 100%… pic.twitter.com/hVwnoyaFvg
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) March 26, 2026
Calling out a “deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign,” the government clarified that there is absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country, and all retail outlets continue to function normally.
- Petrol, diesel, LPG stocks robust; over 1 lakh fuel outlets running without rationing
- ₹-free flow of supplies as refineries run at 100%+; crude secured from 41+ global sources
- Strategic reserves at ~60 days; claims of “6-day stock” dismissed as blatant misinformation
- LPG output up 40%, imports secured; daily supply stabilises after panic-led spike
- Govt warns of strict action against fake videos, urges citizens to trust only official updates
Petrol & Diesel: “No Shortage, No Rationing”
India stands firm as an “oasis of energy security”, backed by its position as the world’s 4th largest refiner and 5th largest exporter of petroleum products.
- Over 1 lakh fuel stations are fully operational
- No rationing has been imposed anywhere
- Supplies are uninterrupted despite global disruptions
The Ministry stated:
“India DOES NOT FEEL THE NEED FOR ANY SUCH MEASURES.”
Isolated queues at some pumps were attributed solely to panic buying triggered by misleading social media videos, not supply disruption. Oil companies have even extended credit cycles to petrol pumps to over 3 days to ensure uninterrupted stocking.
Crude Supply: “No Gap, Fully Compensated”
Despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, India has diversified sourcing:
- 41+ global suppliers ensuring steady inflow
- Refineries operating at over 100% capacity
- 60 days of crude supplies already secured
The government underlined:
“There is NO supply gap.”
Reserves Reality Check: 60 Days, Not 6
Dismissing viral claims of critically low reserves, the Ministry clarified:
- Total reserve capacity: 74 days
- Current stock cover: ~60 days
It asserted: “Any representation that India’s reserves are depleted or insufficient should be dismissed with the disdain it deserves.”
LPG: Output Up, Imports Down, Supply Stable
The LPG ecosystem remains robust:
- Domestic production up 40% to 50 TMT/day
- Imports reduced to 30 TMT/day
- 800 TMT cargoes already en route
- 22 import terminals operational
Daily cylinder supply has stabilised at 50 lakh, after a temporary surge to 89 lakh due to panic ordering.
PNG Push: Strategy, Not Shortage
The Ministry clarified that the push for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is part of a long-term clean energy transition, not a crisis response.
- PNG coverage expanded to 300+ areas
- Connections increased from 25 lakh to 1.5 crore
“The claim that PNG is being pushed because LPG is running out is misinformation.”
Govt Warning: Crackdown on Fake News
The government has taken serious note of:
- Fake videos showing queues
- Misuse of global crisis visuals
- False claims of “fuel emergency” or “lockdowns”
It cautioned: “Spreading false information regarding essential commodity availability is an offence… the government will not hesitate to act.”
Citizens have been urged to rely only on official communication and avoid forwarding unverified content.
Bottom Line: Stay Calm, Stay Informed
India’s energy backbone remains strong, with ample reserves, diversified sourcing, and robust distribution systems ensuring uninterrupted supply.
