In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, major public sector fuel retailers have assured the public that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas (LPG) available across the country. On Friday, May 9, 2025, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) issued statements urging citizens to avoid panic buying.
The call for calm comes after a surge of social media posts and videos showed long queues at petrol pumps, particularly in states bordering Pakistan, as people rushed to stockpile fuel amid fears of potential shortages. "Indian Oil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG are readily available at all our outlets," IOC stated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
BPCL echoed this sentiment, stating, "Sufficient petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG are available across our nationwide network. All BPCL fuel stations and LPG distributorships are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet the energy needs of consumers. There is no cause for concern or panic buying. Our supply chain operations remain robust and efficient, ensuring uninterrupted supplies. We urge all customers to remain calm. BPCL remains steadfast in its commitment to energy accessibility and reliability." HPCL also confirmed that sufficient fuel and LPG stocks were available.
The advisories from these companies came after reports of panic buying emerged, particularly from regions in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. These areas experienced blackouts after Pakistan's armed forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the western border on the night of May 8-9. The Indian Army confirmed that these attacks were "effectively repulsed," but the fear of escalation contributed to the panic.
On May 7, India conducted strikes at nine locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and deeper into Pakistani territory—its most extensive retaliatory actions in decades. This military operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor,' was in response to a deadly terrorist attack on April 22 that claimed 26 lives in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Following these strikes, Pakistan attempted to target Indian military installations with drones and missiles across more than a dozen cities, many of which house air force bases.
The Indian government emphasized the importance of remaining calm during this period of heightened tensions. Officials highlighted that panic buying, fueled by rumors and misinformation, could disrupt supply chains, leading to actual shortages. "Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our supply lines running seamlessly and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for all," IOC appealed to the public.
India has a vast network of over 96,000 fuel retail outlets, with Indian Oil alone operating more than 40,000 stations. Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum each have close to 24,000 fuel retail stations, while private sector players like Reliance Industries, Nayara Energy, and Shell operate around 9,000 fuel stations combined. For LPG, there are over 25,000 distributors across the country, with Indian Oil accounting for nearly 13,000 of them.
As the situation evolves, the government and fuel retailers are committed to ensuring that supply remains stable and accessible to all consumers. The public is encouraged to rely on official communications and avoid spreading unverified information that could exacerbate tensions and lead to unnecessary panic.
In summary, while the geopolitical landscape remains tense, the assurance from India's oil companies aims to quell fears of fuel shortages and maintain order amidst the chaos. The call for calm and rational behavior is more crucial than ever as the nation navigates these challenging times.
