New Delhi, May 27 (). The Central Government has clearly said that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the country and there is more than enough supply to meet the domestic needs. The government also clarified that the local pressure or shortage situation being seen at some places is not due to actual supply crisis but due to misdirected purchase and hoarding of fuel.
According to the government, India is the fourth largest refining country in the world. There are currently 22 refineries operating in the country, with a total capacity of 258.1 million tonnes per annum. India’s domestic consumption in the financial year 2025-26 stood at 243.2 million tonnes, while 61.5 million tonnes of petroleum products were also exported during the same period. It is clear from this that India is not only fulfilling its needs, but is also included among the world’s largest exporters.
Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is in constant touch with public sector oil marketing companies (PSU OMCs), state governments and industry organizations so that the supply of petrol and diesel remains uninterrupted. The petroleum secretary also reviewed the situation with chief secretaries of states and union territories, FICCI and CII, the government said.
The government says that despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia, to provide relief to the common consumers, the oil companies have not passed the entire burden of international prices on the retail consumers. PSU OMCs are currently incurring a loss of around Rs 550 crore per day on the sale of petrol, diesel and domestic LPG. This relief is being given especially for common families, farmers and two-wheeler drivers.
However, the government has expressed concern that some industrial consumers are purchasing fuel from retail petrol pumps instead of the industrial channel to take advantage of lower prices. This is increasing pressure on the retail network meant for common consumers and is creating a situation of artificial shortage in some areas.
According to government data, high speed diesel (HSD) sales of private oil companies have declined by about 38 percent this month due to higher prices. This demand is now completely shifting towards PSU retail outlets. At the same time, there has been a decline of about 29 percent in the sales of bulk customers of PSU, which is moving towards retail pumps.
Taking the matter seriously, the government has asked the states and union territories to form special teams and take strict action against hoarding, black marketing, unauthorized storage and misuse of retail supplies. Besides, industry organizations have also been asked to make their members aware about the rules and the consequences of their violation.
The government has appealed to citizens not to pay attention to rumors and rely only on official information.
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VKU/ABM
