According to the Ministry of Petroleum, India’s strong refining and distribution infrastructure has played a key role in maintaining consistent fuel availability
Pic/PTI
The Government of India has assured that the country’s energy supply remains stable and fully secure, with no shortage of petrol, diesel, or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) reported anywhere. Fuel retail outlets across the country continue to operate normally, maintaining adequate stock levels and ensuring uninterrupted supply to consumers, reported news agency IANS.
According to the Ministry of Petroleum, India’s strong refining and distribution infrastructure has played a key role in maintaining consistent fuel availability. As the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products, the country’s domestic energy ecosystem is structurally resilient and capable of handling global disruptions, reported IANS.
India Unaffected by Global Energy Disruptions
While several countries are grappling with fuel shortages and have resorted to declaring national energy emergencies or implementing rationing measures, India has not faced similar challenges. Officials highlighted that India’s diversified sourcing strategy, with crude oil imports from more than 41 global suppliers, has helped offset any disruptions in international supply chains.
Despite concerns surrounding geopolitical tensions affecting critical shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to receive higher volumes of crude oil. Increased imports from the western hemisphere have compensated for any temporary gaps, ensuring steady refinery operations, reported IANS.
Refineries Operating at Peak Capacity, Stocks Remain Strong
All refineries in the country are currently operating at over 100 per cent capacity, reflecting strong operational efficiency. Contrary to claims circulating on social media about limited fuel reserves, the government clarified that India has a total reserve capacity of approximately 74 days, with current stock levels sufficient for around 60 days, reported IANS.
These reserves include crude oil, refined petroleum products, and strategic storage maintained in underground caverns. Additionally, crude procurement for the next 60 days has already been secured, reinforcing confidence in continued supply stability.
Government Counters Misinformation and Panic Buying
The government has strongly criticised what it described as a “deliberately mischievous” misinformation campaign circulating on social media platforms. Officials noted that isolated incidents of crowding at petrol pumps were triggered by misleading videos rather than actual shortages, reported IANS.
Oil marketing companies have taken proactive steps to ensure supply continuity, including operating depots overnight to replenish fuel stations. To further prevent disruptions, credit limits for petrol pump operators have been increased from one day to over three days, enabling them to maintain higher inventory levels.
LPG Supply Strengthened, Imports and Production Increased
In the LPG segment, domestic production has risen significantly following regulatory measures, increasing by 40 per cent to reach a daily output of 50 thousand metric tonnes. This now meets more than 60 per cent of daily demand, reducing reliance on imports.
To supplement domestic production, around 800 thousand metric tonnes of LPG shipments are currently en route from countries including the United States, Russia, and Australia. These supplies will be distributed across 22 import terminals, reflecting a substantial expansion in infrastructure compared to previous years.
Daily LPG cylinder deliveries have stabilised at around 5 million, after a temporary spike driven by panic ordering. Authorities have also regulated commercial allocations to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Long-Term Energy Strategy Focused on Sustainability
The government emphasised that the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure is part of a long-term strategy aimed at promoting cleaner and more affordable energy solutions. Domestic PNG connections have grown significantly, with coverage now extending to over 300 geographical areas nationwide, reported IANS.
Officials reiterated that spreading false information regarding essential commodities is a punishable offence, warning that strict legal action will be taken against those attempting to create public panic through fabricated claims of shortages or emergency measures.
(With inputs from IANS)
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