In light of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has urged the public to refrain from panic buying fuel, assuring that ample supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available nationwide. The call for calm comes after social media posts showed long queues at petrol stations as residents rushed to stock up on fuel amidst fears of potential shortages.
On May 9, 2025, IOCL took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that its supply lines are operating smoothly. The company stated, “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.” This message was intended to alleviate concerns that had been exacerbated by the recent military actions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Amidst the backdrop of rising tensions, a significant escalation occurred on May 7, 2025, when India launched ‘Operation Sindoor,’ a series of precision missile strikes targeting nine terror bases within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including a Nepali citizen. Following these strikes, fears of retaliation from Pakistan have led to heightened anxiety among the Indian populace.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) also issued a statement assuring consumers that all its fuel stations and LPG distributorships are fully equipped to meet energy needs. They confirmed that operations are running smoothly, further supporting the message from IOCL.
Despite these assurances, panic buying was most pronounced in Punjab, particularly in border areas. Reports indicated that fuel sales tripled as residents rushed to fill their tanks and stock up on essential items. A local petrol pump owner noted an unprecedented surge in demand, reflecting the community's anxiety about the ongoing situation.
As tensions escalated, blackouts were reported in several parts of Punjab on May 8, 2025, including cities such as Pathankot, Amritsar, and Jalandhar. This blackout followed a series of missile and drone attacks launched by Pakistan, which prompted air raid sirens to sound in Chandigarh as a precautionary measure.
In an effort to manage the situation, IOCL has requested that the public remain calm and avoid unnecessary rush at petrol stations. Their statement emphasized that staying calm would help ensure uninterrupted access to fuel for all consumers. “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,” IOCL added.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has not issued any warnings regarding fuel supply disruptions, suggesting that the situation remains stable. However, the stock market reacted to the heightened tensions, with IOCL shares dropping 1% on the day of the announcement.
As of early May 9, 2025, global oil prices have seen minor fluctuations, with Brent crude rising by 23 cents to $63.07 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased by 21 cents to $60.12 per barrel. These changes in oil prices are influenced by ongoing trade disputes between the United States and China, alongside the geopolitical tensions in South Asia.
In summary, IOCL's proactive communication aims to prevent panic buying and reassure the public about the availability of fuel during a time of uncertainty. The situation remains fluid, and both IOCL and BPCL are monitoring the developments closely to ensure that supply chains remain intact and that consumers have access to the necessary resources.
As the situation unfolds, the public is encouraged to stay informed and avoid unnecessary panic, which could exacerbate supply challenges. The commitment from major oil corporations to maintain supply stability is crucial as tensions between India and Pakistan continue to evolve.
