Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Govt and oil companies on Wednesday said there was no shortage of petrol and diesel and advised people against panic buying.Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, told a media conference that reports of long queues at fuel pumps were received over the past two days due to rumours of shortage.“Don’t believe rumours. Don’t indulge in panic buying. Let me assure you we have adequate fuel stocks. I also want to tell people that there is no hike in petrol and diesel prices,” she said.Oil marketing companies and their heads also issued statements, while govts of Telangana, Goa and MP dismissed rumours of a crisis.Indian Oil chairman Arvinder Singh Sahney, in a social media post, assured people of adequate fuel stocks.“We would like to assure all citizens that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. IndianOil outlets nationwide are well-stocked and functioning normally. Unverified rumours can lead to unnecessary panic and supply disruptions. Please avoid panic buying and trust only official sources. Let us act responsibly and support seamless fuel availability for all,” he said on X.Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) termed reports of fuel shortages “completely unfounded”. It said supplies were stable and well managed across India, and its refineries, terminals and logistics network were operating continuously to ensure steady availability. “There is ample fuel available and retail outlets are being replenished regularly. There is no need to panic, refuel as usual and rely only on verified information. BPCL is working behind the scenes to keep the nation moving without disruption,” the company said.Hindustan Petroleum advised customers to continue refuelling normally. “We would like to reassure you that there is no shortage of fuel or LPG. Customers are requested to avoid panic buying and refuel as per normal requirements,” it said.
