25 March,2026 07:00 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
The Centre on Wednesday assured that supplies of LPG, petrol, and diesel remain stable across the country, urging citizens not to engage in panic buying amid concerns triggered by global developments, reported news agency IANS.
The government said no "dry-outs" have been reported at LPG distributorships or fuel stations, and deliveries are continuing as usual.
According to an official update, all petrol pumps and LPG distribution centres are functioning normally, with sufficient stocks available nationwide.
Authorities noted that panic buying in some areas was driven by rumours, leading to temporary crowding and increased sales. However, the government reiterated that there is no disruption in supply, reported IANS.
The government said all domestic refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude oil inventories. Stocks of petrol and diesel are sufficient, while domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet consumer demand, reported IANS.
These measures are part of a coordinated response to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability despite global uncertainties.
The Centre has restored up to 20 per cent of commercial LPG supply to consumers and is considering an additional 10 per cent allocation linked to the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure.
Priority continues to be given to domestic consumption, particularly for household cooking and transport needs.
The government appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official sources for updates. Consumers have also been encouraged to use digital platforms for booking LPG cylinders instead of visiting distributors physically, reported IANS.
Officials stressed that unnecessary stockpiling could strain supply chains despite adequate availability.
In light of supply pressures caused by global geopolitical tensions, the government has encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as piped natural gas (PNG), electric cooking appliances, and induction cooktops.
City Gas Distribution companies, including Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, are offering incentives to promote PNG connections.
To prevent illegal activities, enforcement agencies have intensified inspections across states and Union Territories. More than 2,700 raids have been conducted, leading to the seizure of around 2,000 LPG cylinders, reported IANS.
Additionally, over 1,700 surprise inspections were carried out by oil marketing companies, resulting in more than 650 FIRs and 155 arrests.
The government said it is maintaining 100 per cent supply for domestic PNG and CNG requirements, while industrial and commercial users connected to the grid are receiving around 80 per cent of their usual supply, reported IANS.
City gas operators have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels, and canteens.
To further support energy needs, an additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been made to states and Union Territories. Authorities have been asked to streamline distribution at the district level, reported IANS.
The Centre reiterated that adequate fuel stocks are available and that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply.
With global tensions continuing to impact energy markets, the government has urged citizens to remain calm, conserve energy, and avoid spreading or acting on unverified information.
(With inputs from IANS)
