OMCs assure ample fuel stocks, urge public to avoid panic buying amid India-Pak tensions

New Delhi: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, state-run Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) — have issued public advisories to dispel concerns over fuel availability, urging citizens not to resort to panic buying.

The public advisories were issued after social media was flooded with posts and videos showing people queuing at petrol pumps to stock fuel as tensions between India and Pakistan escalated.

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Reassuring the public, Indian Oil stated, “We have ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly.” The company emphasized that there is no disruption in the availability of petrol, diesel, or LPG, and all retail outlets are functioning normally. “Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush,” the advisory added, stressing that panic buying could strain logistics and create artificial shortages.

In a post on X, HPCL said, "HPCL has sufficient fuel and LPG stocks across the country. Our supply chain is operating seamlessly. There is absolutely no need for panic buying. Fuel and LPG are readily available at all HPCL outlets. Let’s stay calm and avoid unnecessary rush to ensure uninterrupted service for everyone."

BPCL echoed similar sentiments, affirming that there is no cause for concern. “We assure all citizens that sufficient stock of petrol, diesel, CNG, and LPG is available across our nationwide network,” the company said. It added that all fuel stations and LPG distributorships are operating efficiently, with robust supply chain mechanisms in place to meet consumer demand without interruption.

Panic buying was mostly witnessed in states bordering Pakistan. Several towns in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab enforced blackouts after Pakistan's armed forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions along the entire western border on the intervening night of May 8-9. The Indian Army said the attacks were "effectively repulsed".

Both companies have called for public cooperation to ensure smooth fuel distribution, emphasising that India’s energy infrastructure remains secure and resilient in the face of geopolitical developments.

Industry observers note that public advisories from OMCs during times of geopolitical strain play a vital role in maintaining supply chain stability and public confidence.

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