West Asia crisis: Indian Oil, BPCL, HPCL assure fuel supplies amid panic buying in Gujarat, Hyderabad

New Delhi: State-run oil marketers Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) assured consumers on Wednesday that fuel supplies remain adequate across the country, even as reports of panic buying surfaced in Hyderabad and Gujarat after rumours of shortages amid the West Asia crisis.

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Indian Oil Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) AS Sahney led the reassurance, saying: “We would like to assure all citizens that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel. IndianOil outlets nationwide are well-stocked and functioning normally. Unverified rumours can lead to unnecessary panic and supply disruptions. Please avoid panic buying and trust only official sources. Let us act responsibly and support seamless fuel availability for all.”

BPCL says supplies are stable

BPCL said fuel supplies across India remain “stable and well managed”, adding that its refineries, terminals and logistics network are working continuously to ensure steady availability nationwide, including in Hyderabad and Surat, where supplies continue as normal.

“There is ample fuel available and retail outlets are being replenished regularly,” BPCL said, adding that there is no need to panic and customers should refuel as usual and rely only on verified information.

HPCL flags Gujarat reports

HPCL said a few media reports had raised concerns about fuel availability in some parts of Gujarat, but added that state authorities had reaffirmed that supplies remain stable, with petrol pumps well-stocked and adequate reserves in place.

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“We would like to reassure that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG,” HPCL said, urging customers to avoid panic buying and continue to refuel as per normal requirements.

Panic buying after rumours in Gujarat

The companies’ reassurance comes against the backdrop of disruption fears triggered by the West Asia crisis. Reports said long queues were witnessed at fuel stations across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat and other Gujarat cities on March 23 and in Hyderabad on Wednesday after a few pumps ran out of fuel, spreading rumours of shortage.

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