India Holds 60-Day Oil Stock, Ministry Dismisses Fuel Shortage Rumors

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a comprehensive clarification regarding the status of petroleum and LPG supplies in India. According to official statements, the fuel supply situation across the country is entirely secure and under control. Adequate quantities of fuel are available at all retail outlets nationwide, and there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG. The government has addressed concerns raised by misleading reports, emphasizing that the nation's energy security remains strong. The ministry has urged citizens not to be misled by orchestrated misinformation aimed at creating unnecessary panic among the general public.

Storage Capacity and Actual Reserve Statistics

The ministry clarified that claims suggesting India has only a 6-day fuel stock are entirely false and misleading. India currently possesses a total petroleum storage capacity of 74 days. Officials stated that out of this capacity, an actual physical stock equivalent to approximately 60 days of consumption is currently available. Despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global market fluctuations, India's fuel reserves are well-maintained. The government reiterated that nearly two months of fuel supply is secured, making any fears of an immediate shortage completely baseless and without factual merit.

LPG Production Growth and Import Logistics

The situation regarding Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also reported to be normal. Following government initiatives to boost domestic output, LPG production has seen a significant increase of 40%. Currently, domestic production stands at 50 TMT per day, against a total national requirement of approximately 80 TMT. This surge in production has reduced the import requirement to 30 TMT. Also, the government has already scheduled shipments of 800 TMT of LPG from countries including the United States, Russia, and Australia. Supply remains continuous through 22 import terminals, with oil marketing companies distributing over 5 million cylinders daily to meet consumer demand.

Strategic Expansion of PNG Infrastructure

The government is actively promoting Piped Natural Gas (PNG) as a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuels. The ministry clarified that the push for PNG is part of a long-term energy strategy rather than a response to any crisis. Currently, India's gas production capacity is 92 MMSCMD, while the total demand is 191 MMSCMD. Over the past few years, there has been a rapid expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network and domestic connections, while the objective is to transition towards a gas-based economy, ensuring cleaner energy access for households and industries across the country.

Government Warning Against Misinformation

The Ministry has expressed serious concern over the spread of misleading news and videos on social media platforms. It was observed that several posts used images and reports from other countries, falsely attributing them to the situation in India to create fear. The government has clarified that spreading false information is a punishable offense under the law, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible for creating panic. Citizens are advised to rely solely on official sources and verified government communications for information regarding fuel availability and energy policies.

Supply Chain Resilience and Global Sourcing

To ensure continuous energy security, India has diversified its crude oil sourcing across various global regions. The ministry is monitoring international market trends and maintaining coordination with global energy partners, while with 22 active import terminals and a strong internal pipeline network, the distribution of fuel to the remotest parts of the country is being managed efficiently. According to officials, the combined stocks held in Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) and by oil marketing companies are sufficient to handle any potential global supply chain disruptions, ensuring stability in the domestic market.