As panic buying and long queues surfaced at fuel stations in parts of the country following recent petrol and diesel price hikes, India’s major public sector oil companies have stepped in to calm fears over a possible fuel shortage.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have all issued statements insisting that fuel supplies remain stable and operations continue normally across their retail networks.
Concerns over fuel availability intensified after reports and social media posts claimed that petrol pumps in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district were displaying “No Petrol” and “No Diesel” signs.
The anxiety comes at a time when the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising global crude oil prices have already triggered a fresh increase in fuel prices across India.
The situation led to panic buying in some regions, with consumers rushing to fuel stations fearing potential supply disruptions, reported The Financial Express.
Responding to the rumours, HPCL issued a clarification on X, dismissing reports of shortages in Maharashtra’s Nandurbar district. The company described claims regarding “No Petrol” and “No Diesel” boards at retail outlets as “false and misleading”.
“Fuel supply at HPCL’s retail outlet is completely normal, with regular replenishment and uninterrupted operations being ensured,” the company stated.
HPCL added that all 87 of its retail outlets in the district continue to operate normally and are serving customers without disruption.
To reinforce its position, HPCL also shared fuel sales data for the district till May 19, 2026. According to the company, petrol sales in Nandurbar stood at 5,254 KL compared to historical sales of 4,539 KL, a rise of 15.8 per cent.
Diesel sales climbed to 15,656 KL against historical sales of 12,933 KL, registering a growth of 21.1 per cent.
“The above figures clearly indicate stable fuel availability and smooth functioning of the supply network across the district,” HPCL said.
The company also argued that temporary queues at some stations were driven more by seasonal demand during May and increased preference for public sector pumps over certain private retailers, where prices were relatively higher.
Indian Oil Corporation also issued a clarification, stating that petrol and diesel remain readily available across its retail network nationwide.
The company said customers can continue refuelling without restrictions on quantity or value, including in PESO-approved containers as per safety guidelines.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited said its supply teams are continuously working across the country to ensure smooth availability of fuel and adequate stock at retail outlets.
Amid growing concern, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appealed to citizens not to panic or rush unnecessarily to petrol pumps.
According to ANI, Fadnavis warned that panic buying based on rumours could itself disrupt the supply chain and create temporary shortages.
“There is no need to panic,” he said.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also attempted to reassure consumers, stating that India has so far managed to avoid fuel shortages despite global energy disruptions.
“We did not allow any shortage of crude oil, pipeline gas or LPG,” Puri said while referring to challenges arising from ongoing geopolitical conflicts and disruptions in international energy supply chains.
The statements come as the government and oil companies attempt to balance rising global crude prices, public anxiety and pressure on domestic fuel supplies.
Even though companies insist there is no supply shortage, fuel prices remain under scrutiny after oil marketing companies recently raised petrol and diesel prices. The hike, linked to elevated crude oil prices amid the West Asia crisis, has already triggered concerns around inflation, transportation costs and household budgets.
