23 May,2026 02:53 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IndianOil) on Saturday said there is no overall shortage of petrol or diesel across the country, even as some fuel stations in certain areas reported temporary supply disruptions.
The state-run oil marketing company clarified that the issues being witnessed at select retail outlets are localised and short-term in nature, and that fuel stocks across most parts of the country remain stable.
In an official statement, IndianOil said the temporary supply pressure at some outlets was due to local demand-supply imbalances and shifting customer patterns in certain regions.
The company stated that a seasonal increase in diesel demand during the harvesting period has led to higher fuel consumption in several areas.
It also pointed to a temporary shift in customers from private fuel pumps to public sector outlets because of comparatively higher retail prices at some private stations.
According to the company, institutional and commercial buyers have also increasingly turned to public sector fuel stations as bulk fuel supplies are currently priced higher in line with global market trends.
IndianOil said it recorded a significant rise in fuel sales between May 1 and May 22 compared to the same period last year.
During this period, petrol sales increased by 14 per cent, while diesel sales rose by around 18 per cent, reflecting stronger consumption and higher demand across several regions.
Officials said the sudden increase in sales at certain outlets created temporary pressure on local distribution systems, though the overall national supply network remains stable.
IndianOil operates a network of more than 42,000 fuel stations across the country and said supply disruptions have been reported only at a very small number of outlets.
The company maintained that fuel availability and stock levels remain normal and adequate at the majority of retail stations nationwide.
It added that IndianOil, along with other oil marketing companies, is continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating distribution to avoid any major disruption in supplies.
The company urged consumers not to engage in panic buying, stating that there is sufficient availability of petrol and diesel across the country.
IndianOil said it remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supplies and is taking all necessary steps to stabilise distribution wherever temporary shortages have emerged.
The statement comes amid recent increases in petrol and diesel prices across India following a rise in global crude oil prices and geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Fuel prices have been revised upward multiple times over the past few days, leading to increased demand at public sector fuel pumps in several cities.
Oil companies have attributed the recent fuel price revisions to volatility in international energy markets and elevated crude oil prices.
Industry experts said rising global oil prices, combined with strong domestic demand, have contributed to pressure on fuel supply chains in some regions.
However, IndianOil reiterated that the current supply situation remains under control and that disruptions are limited to isolated pockets rather than being part of a nationwide shortage.
(With inputs from Agencies)
