Govt dismisses fuel shortage reports, says country has 60 days of stock cover

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Thursday dismissed reports of oil and gas shortages as a “deliberate misinformation campaign” aimed at triggering panic buying, asserting that the country has about 60 days of fuel stock cover.

The ministry reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG, adding that all petrol pumps across the country are adequately stocked and operating normally.

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In a statement, the ministry further states that India is the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products.

Despite the global energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East, India continues to supply refined fuels to over 150 countries, the ministry said in a statement.

“Every Indian refinery (which turns crude oil into fuels like petrol and diesel) is running at over 100 per cent utilisation,” it said.

“Crude oil supplies for the next 60 days have already been tied up by Indian oil companies. There is no supply gap,” the ministry added.

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The ministry also said that all refineries are operating at high capacity to ensure an uninterrupted energy supply.

“All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place,” the ministry said, adding that domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.

With the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed, the government has taken several steps, including diversto maintain supplies of LPG and petroleum products across the country.

The statement noted that the supply of LPG has been affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, but domestic deliveries remain normal.

“No reported dry-out at LPG distributorships” has been reported so far, and the “delivery of Domestic LPG Cylinders is normal,” the ministry said.