The Centre on Wednesday issued a strong clarification after a viral social media message claimed a steep hike in petrol and diesel prices, calling the document “fake” and warning the public against spreading misinformation.
The fact-checking unit of the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said the widely shared order, purportedly from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, falsely stated that petrol prices had been increased by Rs. 10 per litre and diesel by Rs. 12.50. Officials made it clear that no such directive has been issued by the government.
In a post on social media, PIB Fact Check flagged the claim with a “fake news” alert, stating unequivocally that the government had not authorized any such price revision. It urged citizens to verify information only through official sources and refrain from forwarding unverified content.
🚨FAKE NEWS!
An order circulating on social media claims to be issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stating that petrol and diesel prices have been increased by ₹10 and ₹12.50, respectively.#PIBFactCheck:
❌ This order is #FAKE .
✅ The Government of India… pic.twitter.com/tMmJa0Y4qA
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) April 29, 2026
The clarification comes amid the rapid spread of the message across platforms, triggering confusion among consumers over a possible fuel price spike. Authorities emphasized that any decision related to fuel pricing is communicated solely through verified government channels.
The government also appealed to the public to remain cautious and proactive in curbing misinformation. Users were asked to flag suspicious posts and avoid amplifying misleading claims, especially those disguised as official notifications.
Reiterating its advisory, PIB said responsible sharing of information is critical to preventing unnecessary panic, particularly on issues that directly impact daily life.