Amid rising concerns about a possible LPG shortage linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday strongly dismissed rumours of a fuel crisis and assured Parliament that India’s domestic supply remains secure.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, the minister said the government has taken proactive steps to protect household fuel supply while managing the global disruption in energy markets.
He said, “This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history. Fuel supply is flowing, gas is prioritised for homes and farms, and LPG production has been stepped up by 28%.”
According to Puri, LPG production across the country has increased sharply in the past five days to ensure uninterrupted availability for households and farmers.
Government Rejects Rumours Of Fuel Shortage
The minister emphasised that there is no shortage of key fuels such as petrol, diesel or kerosene anywhere in the country.
He told Parliament that supply chains are functioning normally and fuel is being delivered smoothly to stations and distribution centres across India.
Puri said, “There is no shortage of diesel, petrol or kerosene. Their availability is fully assured and supply chains across the country are functioning smoothly.”
He also stressed that petrol pumps remain operational and that essential sectors are receiving priority fuel supplies.
LPG Prices Being Kept Below Global Market Trends
The government is also trying to protect consumers from the impact of volatile international oil prices triggered by the crisis in West Asia.
Puri said the government is holding consumer fuel prices significantly lower than what global market conditions would normally dictate.
He added that the focus remains on ensuring affordable energy access while maintaining stable supply across the country.
“Consumer prices are being held far below what market trends and regional competitors would otherwise dictate. Schools are open and petrol is available at fuel stations,” the minister said.
India Secures Alternative Crude Supplies
The minister also highlighted that India has managed to secure sufficient crude oil supplies despite disruptions in one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Before the crisis, nearly 45 percent of India’s crude oil imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the government has managed to diversify supply routes during the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Puri credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for strengthening diplomatic ties that helped secure alternative crude volumes.
He said, “Thanks to the Prime Minister’s outstanding diplomatic outreach and goodwill, India has secured crude volumes that exceed what the disrupted state of Hormuz could have delivered in the same period.”
Government Calls For Unity During Energy Crisis
The petroleum minister urged citizens and political leaders not to spread panic during the ongoing global energy disruption.
He emphasised that India’s energy sector institutions and workers are working around the clock to maintain supply stability.
Puri concluded by saying that the country must stand united during the crisis.
“India must stand united behind the energy workers, behind the institutions managing the crisis, and behind the national interest. The record of preparation and the record of response speak for themselves,” he said.
