OMCs dismiss fuel and LPG shortage concerns, urge public not to rely on rumours
New Delhi, May 21
India's leading state-run oil marketing companies -- HPCL, IOCL, and BPCL -- on Thursday assured customers that petrol, diesel and LPG supplies remain stable across the country, while urging people not to rely on rumours or unverified social media messages regarding fuel shortages.
Taking to the microblogging platform X, Indian Oil Corporation (IndianOil), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) said fuel distribution networks are functioning normally with adequate stock availability and regular replenishment.
HPCL clarified that fuel and LPG supplies remain stable across Rajasthan, Karnataka and parts of Uttarakhand despite rumours of shortages and restrictions circulating on social media.
The company said all retail outlets in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, are operating normally with continuous replenishment and adequate fuel stocks.
According to HPCL, petrol supplies in Rajasthan increased 19 per cent between May 1 and May 20 compared to historical sales, while diesel supplies rose 24.5 per cent during the same period.
The company further dismissed reports regarding fuel shortages in Uttarakhand's Augustmuni and Guptkashi areas, stating that nearby retail outlets currently have sufficient stock availability and no restrictions have been imposed on fuel sales.
Separately, HPCL said LPG supplies across Karnataka remain stable despite enforcement action against black marketing and irregularities.
The Karnataka government has seized 1,874 LPG cylinders and initiated cases against irregular activities as of May 19, 2026, the company said.
Similarly, IndianOil said its retail outlets across the country continue to maintain sufficient supplies of petrol and diesel to ensure uninterrupted availability for consumers.
"IndianOil's network continues to ensure adequate Petrol (MS) and Diesel (HSD) supplies across the country. Drive responsibly, refuel calmly, and trust only verified information," the company said in a post on X.
Meanwhile, BPCL clarified that fuel availability at its retail outlet in Kaladhungi in Uttarakhand's Nainital district remains normal and adequately positioned to meet demand.
The company said current fuel stocks at the outlet are sufficient to cater to nearly four days of regular sales requirements.
BPCL added that fresh replenishment supplies have also been received, ensuring uninterrupted availability of petrol and diesel.
Additionally, the OMCs requested customers to avoid panic buying and depend only on official communication channels for verified information regarding fuel supplies.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to hear but I still wonder why these rumours spread so fast. Maybe the OMCs should also work on their communication strategy. A simple SMS or WhatsApp notification would help a lot.
I'm in Jaipur and can confirm - no shortage at my local pump. The hoarding mentality is real though. Saw a guy filling five cans yesterday. 🤦 We need to be responsible citizens, not create artificial scarcity.
As an expat living in Bangalore, I appreciate the transparency from HPCL. The LPG cylinder seizures in Karnataka show the government is serious about stopping black marketing. Good move.
The 19% increase in petrol sales in Rajasthan shows people are panicking. OMCs are doing their best but the government needs to tackle misinformation at its root. Social media platforms should also step up.
Fair enough, but why do we always hear about 'sufficient stocks' only after rumours spread? Proactive communication would prevent all this chaos. Still, good that they clarified. Better late than never.
Living in Uttarakhand, I was worried about Augustmuni. But went to the pump yesterday - fully stocked. The problem is people forwarding everything without checking. Let's be smarter, guys.
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