No need for panic buying of fuel, LPG supply to households uninterrupted despite concerns: Govt

The government on Friday said there was no need for panic buying of fuel or LPG cylinders, assuring that India has adequate fuel supplies with refineries operating at full capacity and sufficient crude oil inventories in place, while noting that domestic LPG production has already increased by 30 per cent since March 5 to support supply.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said, “As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel; consequently, there is no need to import these fuels into India.”

#WATCH | Delhi: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, “As far as crude oil is concerned, we possess a refining capacity of 258 million metric tons. We are self-sufficient in the production of petrol and diesel;… pic.twitter.com/0t8hUXUjWL

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

She said all our refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher.

“The refineries hold adequate inventories of crude oil, and furthermore, supplies are being consistently maintained,” she added.

Sharma said the supply of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) to domestic consumers and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is being ensured without any interruptions or cuts.

“Given this situation, there is absolutely no need for panic…,” she said, reassuring citizens that fuel availability remains stable across the country.

However, Sharma acknowledged that LPG remains an area of concern, but assured that household supplies are continuing without disruption and urged consumers not to resort to panic booking of cylinders.

#WATCH | Delhi: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, says, “Petrol and diesel are available in adequate quantities at all petrol pumps… Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us.… pic.twitter.com/eThJxHWDir

— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2026

“Regarding LPG, I would like to state that this remains a matter of concern for us. Nevertheless, despite this situation, no dry out has been reported at any of our 25,000 distributors. I would like to appeal to all fellow citizens not to give credence to rumors and to refrain from engaging in panic buying.”

She said the domestic production of LPG has already increased by 30 per cent since March 5.

“LPG bookings have surged to 75.7 lakh against an average of 55.7 lakh in the pre-war period, showing panic booking,” she said.

Sharma said states have been asked to identify specific locations within their districts for kerosene distribution, particularly for the additional 48,000 kilolitres (KL) allocated by the Government of India over and above the regular quota.

“To activate alternative fuel options, Coal India has already issued orders to ensure that coal is made available to small, medium, and other consumers…I appeal to all fellow citizens not to panic and to refrain from panic-booking,” she added.

The West Asia conflict has impacted the supply of crude oil and petroleum products, following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage of water between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes.

The narrow, 50-mile-long passage that connects the Gulf with the Arabian Sea carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

India imports roughly 88 per cent of its crude oil, 50 per cent of its LNG needs and 60 per cent of its LPG requirement, most of which transits through the strait.

The widening conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks from Tehran, has stopped energy flows through the strait.

With inputs from agencies