PSU oil marketing companies Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) have refuted rumors of fuel shortages in specific regions, labeling them as unfounded. BPCL assured that India’s energy supply is stable, with abundant petroleum reserves and uninterrupted distribution networks. The company emphasized that reports of petrol and diesel scarcities are baseless and urged the public not to panic.
IOCL also dismissed social media reports claiming fuel shortages, stating that India possesses ample fuel stocks and that supply chains are operating normally. The company affirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide and advised citizens to rely on official sources for accurate information. Government sources revealed that India maintains around 25 days of crude oil reserves and petroleum products, including those in transit, ensuring a reasonably comfortable position despite recent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil marketing companies like Indian Oil, BPCL, and Hindustan Petroleum have confirmed sufficient supplies for several weeks and are receiving shipments through various routes. The government has instructed these companies not to export petroleum products to enhance buffer stocks. Strategic storage facilities in locations like Pudur, Visakhapatnam, and Mangaluru, with capacities ranging from 1.33 to 2.25 million metric tonnes, contribute to India’s energy security. Additional storage facilities are being developed to further strengthen the country’s resilience.
BPCL and the government have reassured the public that there is no need for alarm regarding fuel availability. While India heavily relies on crude oil imports, predominantly from the Middle East, efforts to diversify supply sources by importing from Africa, Russia, and the United States have been made in recent years. These measures, along with strategic reserves, aim to bolster India’s energy security and mitigate potential supply disruptions.
