New Delhi, Mar 27:
The Indian government has stated that the country possesses adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG to meet demand for at least two months, effectively ruling out any possibility of imposing a lockdown due to energy supply disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Officials emphasized that there are no shortages and that rumours causing panic are baseless.
The Chenab Times has learned that India currently holds approximately 60 days’ worth of oil stock cover and has secured a full month’s supply of LPG. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, clarified at a media briefing that the situation does not warrant a lockdown, nor is such a measure under consideration. She attributed the queues observed at some fuel stations and LPG distributors to misinformation and rumours, assuring the public that there is no crisis.
Sharma further stated that the nation has sufficient crude oil reserves, the raw material for producing fuels like petrol and diesel, and that LPG supplies are robust. All petrol pumps nationwide are reported to be well-stocked and operating normally, with no rationing in effect.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, reiterated this stance on social media platform X. He assured citizens that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel, energy, and other essential supplies, despite the volatile global situation. He stressed that India is well-prepared to manage emerging challenges and that rumours of a lockdown are entirely false, with no such proposal being considered by the government.
Puri highlighted India’s consistent resilience in navigating global uncertainties and pledged timely, proactive, and coordinated government action. He urged citizens to remain calm and responsible, condemning attempts to spread rumours and create panic as irresponsible and harmful.
India, which relies on imports for a significant portion of its energy needs—88% of crude oil, half of natural gas, and 60% of LPG—has historically sourced a substantial amount of these from Gulf countries via the Strait of Hormuz. While the current conflict has impacted this route, India has successfully diversified its sourcing. Crude oil volumes are being replenished from West Africa, Latin America, and the United States. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is being procured from Australia and the US, and LPG contracts have been secured from the United States, Russia, and Australia. Additionally, domestic LPG production has been increased by 40% by repurposing streams previously used in petrochemicals.
Sharma noted that the adequate availability of resources has allowed for an increase in the allocation of commercial LPG to 70% of pre-crisis levels. Initially, during the crisis, supplies to commercial establishments were reduced to zero, but they have since been restored to 20%, then 50%, with encouragement for users to switch to alternative piped natural gas. The current 70% allocation prioritizes key industries such as steel, automobiles, and textiles.
To mitigate the impact of rising global oil prices on consumers, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre. Simultaneously, export levies of Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) have been imposed to enhance domestic availability. Refiners have also been mandated to divert 50% of their petrol exports and 30% of diesel exports to the domestic market.
Sharma emphasized that panic buying, fueled by rumours, caused temporary spikes in sales but reiterated that supplies remain adequate and retail outlets are functioning normally. Natural gas supply to households and for transport remains fully protected, while industrial supply is maintained at approximately 80% of usual levels, with ongoing expansion of city gas infrastructure. The government has intensified enforcement against hoarding and black marketing, conducting over 3,000 raids and seizing more than 1,500 LPG cylinders, while urging states to enhance monitoring and public communication. Citizens have been advised to avoid panic purchases and rely on official information, with encouragement to adopt alternative cooking solutions like piped natural gas and electric cooking.
The Chenab Times News Desk