New Delhi: As tensions continue to escalate between India and Pakistan, panic buying erupted in several parts of the country following viral videos and photos of long queues at petrol pumps. However, government-run oil companies on Friday reassured the public that fuel supplies are stable and there is no need for panic.
Amid fears of supply disruption, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) issued official statements asserting that petrol, diesel, and LPG are available in adequate quantities across the nation.
Oil Companies Respond to Fuel Panic
In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, IOC stated, “IndianOil has adequate fuel reserves across the country. Our supply chain is operating smoothly.”
#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly.
— Indian Oil Corp Ltd (@IndianOilcl) May 9, 2025
There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets.
Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our…
BPCL and HPCL echoed similar sentiments, appealing to the public not to believe in rumours and avoid hoarding. They warned that unnecessary crowding at fuel stations could inconvenience genuine consumers and urged citizens to buy fuel only as per actual requirement.
HPCL has sufficient fuel and LPG stocks across the country. Our supply chain is operating seamlessly.
— Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (@HPCL) May 9, 2025
There is absolutely no need for panic buying.
Fuel and LPG are readily available at all HPCL outlets.
Let’s stay calm and avoid unnecessary rush to ensure uninterrupted service…
Viral Visuals Spark Anxiety
Photos and videos from multiple cities, showing long queues and people stockpiling fuel, went viral on social media earlier in the day. This triggered concerns of an impending fuel shortage, particularly in border states where the security situation remains sensitive.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has not issued any directive indicating supply disruptions. Sources within oil PSUs confirmed that fuel distribution operations are normal, and reserves are well within safety thresholds.
Call for Public Calm
The companies collectively urged citizens to avoid panic buying, remain calm, and rely only on official updates from credible government or company sources.
“There is absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country. We request all consumers to refrain from creating artificial demand,” said a senior official at HPCL.
BPCL assures all citizens that sufficient stock of Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and LPG are available across our nationwide network.
— Bharat Petroleum (@BPCLimited) May 9, 2025
All our Fuel Stations and LPG Distributorships are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet the energy needs of consumers.
There is no cause for…
Fuel panic driven by misinformation can create artificial scarcity and disrupt normal operations. Citizens are encouraged to verify information before acting and cooperate with authorities during this sensitive period.
