Panic buying urged to be avoided as ample Petrol and LPG supply is assured across country by oil companies
Panic buying urged to be avoided as ample Petrol and LPG supply is assured across country by oil companies
As tensions rise following India’s precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor, the country’s major oil companies have reassured citizens of stable fuel availability across the nation.
In coordinated messages released on Friday, public sector oil giants urged consumers to remain calm and avoid panic buying of essential fuels such as petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG.
“#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets,” Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), India’s largest fuel retailer, posted on social media platform X.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), India’s second-largest state-run oil firm, echoed the message:
“Sufficient stock of Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and LPG is available across our nationwide network… Our Fuel Stations and LPG Distributorships are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet the energy needs of consumers.”
These reassurances come in the wake of viral social media posts that triggered localized incidents of panic buying in parts of the country. Government officials have dismissed these messages as fake, stating that India’s fuel supply is robust, and panic buying could lead to artificial shortages.
Officials emphasized that while the geopolitical situation remains tense, domestic logistics and stockpiles are functioning without disruption. India has over 96,000 fuel stations, with Indian Oil operating more than 40,000 outlets, and BPCL and Hindustan Petroleum managing around 24,000 each. In addition, over 25,000 LPG distributors cater to domestic needs, ensuring accessibility even in remote areas.
The recent flare-up between India and Pakistan follows the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which killed 26 tourists. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, targeting nine terror bases across the border. The cross-border strikes have intensified military exchanges and raised regional tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
