‘PNG Push Top Priority, No Diesel or Petrol Shortage’: Centre Urges Not to Panic Buy

The Indian government has reassured citizens that there is no fuel shortage, urging against panic buying despite reported long queues at petrol stations.

The government on Wednesday urged people not to panic buy fuel, assuring that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel despite long queues reported at several retail outlets. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said India has sufficient refining capacity and adequate fuel supplies across the country.

“I want to inform my countrymen that we have the capacity to refine approximately 26 crore tons of crude oil annually,” Sharma said. “Over the past two days, we have seen lines outside retail outlets and petrol pumps in many areas, and panic buying has also been observed.”

She stressed that there is no disruption in supply. “We have sufficient petrol and diesel available. There is no shortage at any petrol pump. The terminals supplying petrol pumps also have sufficient quantities,” Sharma said.

Urging calm, she added, “Therefore, do not believe rumours and avoid panic buying. I also want to inform you that there has been no increase in the price of petrol and diesel.”

People wait in a queue with empty LPG cooking gas cylinders to avail refilled ones amid the ongoing supply crisis, in Prayagraj, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. (PTI Photo)
Photo : PTI

“Domestic PNG connection is the government’s priority, and 100 per cent supply is being made available to consumers. 100 per cent CNG is also being made available to consumers,” she added.

The reassurance comes as the government moves to manage fuel availability and promote alternative energy distribution systems amid global supply concerns.

In a related step, authorities have issued a new order mandating that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply will be discontinued for households that do not switch to piped natural gas (PNG) where such connections are available.

The order, notified by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on March 24, states that LPG supply “shall cease after three months” if consumers do not opt for PNG despite availability, unless it is technically infeasible to provide a connection.

The move is aimed at easing pressure on LPG supplies and diverting cylinders to areas without pipeline infrastructure, while encouraging wider adoption of PNG, which is supplied directly through pipelines and does not require refilling.

The order also seeks to speed up pipeline expansion by simplifying approvals and ensuring faster permissions for infrastructure development.

Meanwhile, state-owned oil companies on Wednesday said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or cooking gas in India, urging people not to believe rumours or engage in panic buying. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country’s largest fuel retailer, said its outlets are “well-stocked and fully operational” and there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. The company warned that rumours can create unnecessary concern and disrupt normal supply patterns, and asked citizens to rely only on verified information.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) also dismissed reports of shortages as “completely unfounded,” saying fuel supplies across the country remain stable. The company said India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel and has adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel. It added that supply chains are operating smoothly without disruption.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/india/no-fuel-shortage-dont-panic-buy-govt-assures-amid-long-queues-at-petrol-pumps-article-153919269#google_vignette

 

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