Amid growing public concern about fuel availability during escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, the Oil Ministry on Saturday issued a warning urging citizens not to panic when buying gasoline or diesel.
The Ministry of Oil and Natural Gas said in a statement that fuel supplies across the country remain stable and sufficient. “Petrol and diesel are sufficiently available in retail outlets across the country,” the ministry said, advising consumers not to consume the fuel or store it in loose or inappropriate containers as it may pose serious safety risks.
The ministry confirmed that all petrol pumps have enough gasoline and diesel, and warned that any violation of safety rules at retail outlets will require strict action.
Tightening safety rules at petrol pumps
Another statement added that the warning came after authorities discovered a violation at a gas station in Tamil Nadu state.
“We have observed that at one of the retail outlets in Tamil Nadu, petrol was being transported in a loose container, which is unsafe and not recommended,” the ministry said. The ministry once again urged consumers not to store petrol or other fuels in loose or inappropriate containers due to the risks involved.
The ministry added that the gasoline pump in question has already been punished. “The petrol pump in question has been stopped and appropriate action has been taken,” she added, stressing that all retail outlets and dealers have been directed to strictly follow safety guidelines while distributing fuel.
The Minister of Energy confirms that there is no fuel shortage
Amid speculation about supply disruption due to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, earlier on Thursday, Union Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also sought to allay concerns in Parliament.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Puri gave a “full” assurance that India is not facing any fuel shortage.
“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, ATF or fuel oil,” he said, adding that “the availability of petrol, diesel, aviation and fuel oil is completely assured.”
Puri acknowledged that the conflict in West Asia had created an unprecedented global situation, but said that India would deal with the consequences.
“What the world is currently going through is something it has never faced in history,” the minister said, adding that India has no role in the conflict but still has to deal with its consequences.
According to the minister, India was able to secure sufficient supplies of crude oil despite the disruption.
Puri praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic outreach to ensure energy security in the country. He said India received quantities of crude oil “exceeding what the crippled strait could have delivered in the same period.”
Concerns about LPG supplies
The Minister also addressed reports of a cooking gas shortage affecting restaurants in some parts of the country.
Seeking to reassure consumers, Puri said that “India’s domestic crude oil and LPG supplies are fully protected.”
