Amid rising tensions in the global energy market and disruptions in international fuel supply chains, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Monday assured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country.
Speaking during an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the government has taken multiple steps to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies and protect consumers from major disruptions.
“There have been disruptions in the global energy supply chain across the world. Significant price volatility is being observed in the international market. However, the Government of India has taken several effective measures and has strived to ensure that fuel supplies are maintained for the common consumer with minimal inconvenience,” Sharma said.
She stated that India’s crude oil reserves remain stable and refineries across the country are functioning at optimum capacity. According to the ministry, there have been no reports of fuel dry-outs at petrol pumps or LPG agencies.
“As a result of all these steps taken, our crude oil inventory remains well-maintained. Our refineries are operating at optimum levels. There are no instances of dry-outs at any retail outlets. Nor have any dry-outs been reported at LPG distributorships. Adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available, and LPG supplies for domestic cooking purposes are being maintained,” Sharma added.
The ministry also highlighted strong LPG distribution figures over the past three days. Officials said around 1.26 crore LPG cylinders were delivered to households against 1.14 crore bookings during the same period.
“Similarly, sales of commercial LPG have exceeded 17,000 tonnes over the last three days. Sales of Auto LPG have also surpassed 762 tonnes,” Sharma said.
The government also repeated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and adopt energy-saving habits in daily life.
“I would like to convey to you that the Prime Minister has urged all citizens of the country to reduce their consumption of petrol and diesel. Wherever possible, utilise the metro and public transportation; opt for carpooling; prioritise railways as a mode of transportation for goods; and wherever feasible, increase the usage of electric vehicles,” Sharma said.
She further urged citizens to conserve energy to reduce the economic burden on the country.
“Let us all come together and make every possible effort to conserve energy in our daily lives, so that the economic burden currently weighing upon the nation may be alleviated,” she added.
While addressing a public gathering in Secunderabad on Sunday, PM Modi had called on people to adopt measures such as work from home where possible, reduce foreign travel for a year, support Swadeshi products, consume less cooking oil and encourage natural farming practices.
The Prime Minister also stressed reducing India’s dependence on imports, especially chemical fertilisers and fuel, while promoting public transport, railways for cargo movement and electric vehicles as long-term solutions to tackle fuel price volatility.
