Fuel Rationing In India? Centre Clarifies Amid Petrol Stock Concerns
Pune Petrol Prices Cross ₹111 Per Litre; Daily Commuters Feel The Heat
Government says there is no need to panic as India currently has sufficient petrol, diesel and LPG reserves despite global supply disruptions and rising crude oil prices.
Amid growing discussions on social media about possible fuel shortages and petrol rationing in India, the Centre has clarified that there is no plan to impose quotas or restrict fuel supply in the country.
The clarification came after concerns increased due to global tensions, rising crude oil prices and reports of fuel rationing measures in some countries. However, Petroleum Secretary Neeraj Mittal has assured that India has enough petrol, diesel and LPG stocks and there is “no need to panic”.
Speaking at the annual business conference of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mittal said India has maintained around 60 days of fuel inventories and nearly 45 days of LPG stocks despite disruptions in the international energy market over the last several weeks.
“There is no need to panic. There is sufficient supply. There is no rationing in place. It’s not going to happen,” Mittal said.
The clarification comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently appealed to citizens to conserve fuel, reduce unnecessary imports and avoid excessive spending on foreign goods amid pressure on India’s foreign exchange reserves due to high global energy prices.
Following the Prime Minister’s appeal, speculation had started that India could introduce fuel quotas similar to measures adopted by some countries facing supply pressure. However, the government has now dismissed these reports.
Officials said India has secured additional energy cargoes, diversified imports from alternative suppliers and taken several steps to protect domestic supply. The government has also absorbed part of the global price shock through cuts in excise duty on petrol and diesel.
India, which is the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, has also accelerated efforts to increase domestic oil exploration and expand strategic reserves. The Centre is additionally focusing on alternative fuel programmes such as green hydrogen, ethanol blending and sustainable aviation fuel.
According to officials, India’s strong refining capacity has helped cushion supply disruptions and maintain stable domestic fuel availability even during international market uncertainty.
The government also highlighted that several countries have already implemented fuel-control measures. Nations such as Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Bangladesh have previously introduced rationing systems or restrictions on fuel usage during crises. Reports also mention that some European countries have imposed weekly fuel purchase limits during periods of supply pressure.
Despite rising international crude oil prices linked to tensions in West Asia, petrol and diesel prices in India have largely remained stable for nearly two years. Officials admitted that oil marketing companies are facing financial pressure due to rising input costs but maintained that fuel availability remains fully under control.
The Centre has urged citizens to rely only on official government communication and avoid panic caused by rumours circulating online regarding petrol shortages or fuel quotas.
