NEW DELHI — The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a high-level clarification on Thursday, March 26, 2026, to quell rising public anxiety over fuel availability. The government confirmed that India’s fuel and energy supplies are “fully secure,” backed by a robust 60-day stock of crude oil and petroleum products.
The statement serves as a direct rebuttal to viral social media claims of an impending “power lockdown” or fuel rationing, which the ministry labeled as a “deliberate and coordinated campaign” to trigger panic.
The “60-Day” Safety Net
To reassure markets and citizens, the ministry released specific data regarding India’s current energy storage and sourcing:
- Total Inventory: India currently holds 60 days of stock cover (crude + refined products) against a total national reserve capacity of 74 days.
- Refinery Strength: Domestic refineries are operating at over 100% capacity, leveraging India’s position as the world’s fourth-largest refiner.
- Diversified Sourcing: Despite the volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, India has secured crude from over 40 global suppliers, successfully insulating the domestic market from Middle Eastern disruptions.
- Future Planning: Crude supplies for the next two months have already been contracted and secured.
The LPG Situation: US, Russia, and Australia Step In
Addressing specific concerns about cooking gas (LPG) shortages, the government detailed a ramp-up in both production and imports:
| Metric | Status |
| Domestic Production | Meets 60% of total daily demand. |
| Import Sources | Additional cargoes secured from the USA, Russia, and Australia. |
| Supply Status | “No shortage” anywhere in the country; all retail outlets are operational. |
Warning Against Misinformation
The government cautioned that strict action will be taken against individuals or groups spreading “panic-inducing” content.
- Routine Policy vs. Emergency: The ministry clarified that recent administrative orders regarding LPG and Natural Gas are routine steps and should not be misinterpreted as indicators of a national emergency.
- Extended Credit: To prevent localized stock-outs caused by panic buying, oil companies have extended additional credit to petrol pump dealers to keep tanks full.
Context: The “Lockdown” Rumor Mill
This clarification follows a wave of misinformation that suggested PM Modi’s recent Parliament speech hinted at a “Covid-like lockdown.” As fact-checked earlier, the PM’s reference to the pandemic was intended to highlight national unity, not to announce new restrictions on movement or fuel.
