No Shortage of Petrol and Diesel, Government Urges People Not to Panic Buy

New Delhi, March 2026 : The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday assured that petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country, urging consumers not to store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers due to serious safety concerns.

In a post on X, the ministry clarified that all petrol pumps currently have sufficient fuel stocks, and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel anywhere in the country.

“Petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country. Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks,” the ministry said.

The advisory came after authorities noticed an incident at a fuel station in Tamil Nadu where petrol was reportedly dispensed into a loose container, which officials described as unsafe and against standard safety guidelines.

“It came to our notice that at one retail outlet in Tamil Nadu, petrol was being dispensed into a loose container, which is unsafe and not advisable,” the ministry said.

Following the incident, the concerned petrol pump was suspended immediately, and appropriate action was initiated against those responsible.

The ministry also directed all petrol pump operators and fuel dealers across the country to strictly adhere to safety protocols while dispensing fuel, emphasising that violations of safety norms will attract strict action.

The clarification comes amid concerns among some consumers that fuel supplies could be affected due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. However, government officials reiterated that India’s fuel supply chain remains stable and fully operational.

Earlier, the government had advised people not to engage in panic buying of petrol, diesel, or LPG, stressing that adequate reserves are available nationwide.

According to a senior official from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, no cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at any of the country’s nearly one lakh fuel retail outlets operated by oil marketing companies.

The official added that petrol and diesel supplies are being maintained regularly, ensuring uninterrupted availability across all states.

India currently has a refining capacity of about 258 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA), making the country the fourth-largest refining hub in the world, which significantly strengthens its ability to maintain steady fuel supplies.

In addition, the government issued a Natural Gas Control Order on March 9 under the Essential Commodities Act to ensure uninterrupted supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).

Under the order, 100 per cent supply of PNG and CNG to consumers has been maintained without any cuts, officials said. However, to manage demand efficiently, supplies to certain industrial and commercial consumers are currently being regulated at around 80 per cent.

Authorities emphasised that there is no reason for public concern, as the country’s energy supply system remains well-stocked and closely monitored by the government.

Team Maverick