The Indian government has clarified that the country currently holds around 60 days of crude oil and fuel reserves, along with 800,000 tonnes of LPG supplies, assuring citizens that there is no immediate need for concern despite global disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas shared these figures publicly for the first time since tensions escalated on February 28, aiming to address panic buying and long queues reported at fuel stations and LPG distributors.
Quick Reads
- India has ~60 days of oil and fuel stock cover
- Total storage capacity stands at around 74 days
- 800,000 tonnes of LPG secured for at least one month
- Refineries operating at over 100% capacity
- Government confirms no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG
- Panic buying linked to misinformation on social media
60-Day Oil Stock: No Immediate Supply Gap
According to the government, India’s current fuel reserves include crude oil, refined products, and strategic reserves stored in underground facilities. While the total capacity can support up to 74 days, the current stock coverage stands at about 60 days.
“Actual stock cover is around 60 days right now,” the ministry said, adding that supplies for the coming weeks have already been secured through advance procurement by oil companies.
Refineries across the country are operating at full capacity to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability.
“Every Indian refinery is running at over 100 per cent utilisation… There is no supply gap,” the ministry said in a statement.
Despite disruptions near key global supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz, the government noted that increased imports from alternative sources have balanced the supply chain.
LPG Supply Secure for One Month
On the LPG front, the government confirmed that 800,000 tonnes of LPG cargoes have already been secured, ensuring at least one month of uninterrupted supply.
Additional procurement is also underway to strengthen reserves further.
Addressing speculation around shortages, the ministry clearly stated:
“The claim that PNG is being pushed because LPG is running out is misinformation. LPG supply is secure.”
No Fuel Shortage Across India
The government emphasized that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country, and all fuel stations are functioning normally.
“All one lakh-plus retail fuel outlets across the country are open… Not a single outlet has been asked to ration supply.”
“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country,” it added, assuring that the situation remains fully under control.
To support fuel distributors, especially in smaller towns, authorities have increased credit limits, allowing smoother fuel lifting and preventing local disruptions.
Govt Dismisses Panic Buying
Officials described panic buying as limited and largely driven by misleading information circulating on social media.
The ministry urged citizens to avoid unnecessary panic and rely only on verified updates.
“Any representation that India’s reserves are depleted or insufficient should be dismissed with the disdain it deserves,” the statement said.
Comparing the situation globally, the government highlighted that while some countries have imposed fuel restrictions, India currently does not require such measures.
“India does not feel the need for any such measures,” it stated, adding that nearly two months of assured supply is available regardless of global uncertainties.
Key Facts
- India has diversified its oil import sources to reduce dependency
- Strategic petroleum reserves are stored in underground caverns
- Fuel supply chains remain operational across all states
- Government actively monitoring global developments
Source
Disclaimer
This article is a rewritten and summarized version based on publicly available news reports. It is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to refer to official government statements and trusted sources for real-time updates on fuel supply and national reserves.
