Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 29: The government on Friday assured citizens that adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and LPG are available across the country, urging people not to indulge in panic buying amid concerns over fuel supplies.
According to an official statement, the crude oil tanker Nissos Keros, flagged under the Marshall Islands and carrying nearly 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil destined for India, has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam on June 3.
Authorities stated that all oil refineries in the country are currently operating at high capacity and maintaining sufficient crude inventories to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply.
The government also said domestic LPG production at refineries has been increased to nearly 52 thousand metric tonnes per day to support national demand.
Over the past four days, around 1.80 crore LPG cylinders were delivered against approximately 1.78 crore consumer bookings, indicating that supply systems remain fully operational.
Officials further noted a sharp rise in digital transactions related to LPG distribution. Online cylinder bookings accounted for nearly 99 per cent of total bookings on Thursday, while Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries linked to registered mobile numbers rose to about 96 per cent, helping authorities curb diversion and misuse.
The Centre appealed to citizens not to crowd fuel stations or LPG distributors and advised people to rely only on official information instead of rumours.
Consumers were encouraged to use digital platforms for LPG bookings and avoid unnecessary visits to distributors. Citizens were also advised to conserve fuel and consider alternative cooking and energy options such as piped natural gas (PNG), electric appliances, or induction cooktops wherever possible.
“All petrol pumps across the country are operating normally,” the statement said, while acknowledging that some regions had witnessed unusually high sales and crowding at retail outlets in recent days.
Officials reiterated that adequate petrol and diesel stocks are available nationwide and there is no shortage of fuel supplies.
The government also directed state administrations to closely monitor district-wise fuel offtake patterns and strengthen inspections in sensitive areas, transportation corridors, and industrial zones.
States have been asked to intensify enforcement efforts to prevent unauthorised procurement of diesel through retail fuel outlets by industrial and commercial consumers. Authorities were instructed to take strict action against any violations.
Bulk and industrial consumers have been advised to procure diesel only through authorised channels.
The Centre emphasised that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain uninterrupted availability of essential fuels and urged the public to cooperate by avoiding unnecessary stockpiling.