India’s refineries are operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Monday, as the government sought to reassure the public about fuel availability amid disruptions linked to developments in West Asia.
According to the official press release by the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, the country remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production and does not require imports of these fuels to meet domestic demand.
The update was shared during an inter-ministerial media briefing held at the National Media Centre on recent developments in West Asia and their potential impact on energy supplies.
Retail fuel supplies remain stable
Oil marketing companies (OMC’s) have reported no fuel dry-outs at retail outlets, and supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly across the country, according to the ministry.
Authorities advised citizens not to resort to panic buying, stating that adequate stocks of transport fuels are available.
Officials from public sector oil marketing companies have also conducted surprise inspections at more than 1,100 retail outlets and LPG distributorships to ensure smooth supply and prevent irregularities.
Priority gas supplies protected
Natural gas supplies to priority segments remain protected, including full supply to piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG), the ministry said.Supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at around 80 per cent of normal levels.
Commercial LPG consumers in major cities have been encouraged to switch to PNG where pipeline networks are available. City gas distribution companies are offering incentives to promote new PNG connections and faster supply activation.
LPG supply under monitoring
The government said LPG availability continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation. No shortages have been reported at LPG distributorships so far.
Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased by about 36 per cent to strengthen supply.
The ministry noted that online LPG cylinder bookings have risen from about 84 per cent to around 90 per cent across the industry. At the same time, coverage of the Delivery Authentication Code system has expanded from 53 per cent before the crisis to about 72 per cent to prevent diversion of cylinders at the distributor level.
State governments and Union Territories are also undertaking enforcement measures to prevent hoarding and black marketing of petrol, diesel and LPG. Raids have been conducted in several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Mizoram.
The government reiterated that ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions remains a key focus.
Citizens have been advised not to panic and to avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors. Authorities are encouraging consumers to use digital platforms such as IVRS, SMS, WhatsApp and mobile applications to book LPG cylinders.
Consumers have also been encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops where available, while conserving energy.
The release added that the government will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with oil marketing companies and state authorities to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.
