Government Assures 60-Day Reserve Stock, Urges Public Not to Panic Over Lockdown Rumors

India Maintains Sufficient Oil and LPG Reserves Amid Middle East Tensions

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has reassured citizens that India possesses adequate oil stockpiles and refining capacity to weather at least 60 days of international supply disruptions, despite ongoing concerns about the conflict in Iran and blockades at the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the ministry, India currently maintains approximately 60 days of actual stock coverage, including crude reserves, product inventories, and strategic storage facilities. The government’s total reserve capacity stands at 74 days, positioning the nation as what officials describe as an “oasis of energy security” amid regional instability.

The ministry firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media and through RTI responses suggesting that the country has only 6-7 days of reserves, labeling such claims as “fake news.”

Despite shipping difficulties at the Strait of Hormuz, where tankers have been stranded due to blockades, the government maintains that India is currently receiving more crude oil from its network of over 41 global suppliers than what previously arrived through the strait. While some Indian oil tankers have reportedly been granted passage through the blocked waterway, details regarding any potential premium payments or diplomatic arrangements remain unclear.

“Crude oil supplies for the next 60 days have already been tied up by Indian Oil companies,” the ministry stated, emphasizing the country’s proactive approach to securing energy resources during this volatile period.

The government has also addressed concerns regarding LPG supplies, noting significant improvements in domestic production capabilities. Following the implementation of the LPG Control Order, domestic refinery production has increased by 40%, resulting in daily LPG output reaching 50 TMT (Thousand Metric Tonnes), which covers more than 60% of the national requirement of approximately 80 TMT.

This production surge has reduced India’s daily import needs to just 30 TMT. Furthermore, the ministry reports that 800 TMT of assured inbound LPG shipments are already secured and en route from various countries including the United States, Russia, and Australia. These supplies will be distributed across India’s 22 LPG import terminals, which represents a substantial infrastructure expansion from the 11 terminals that existed in 2014.

“Approximately one full month of supply is firmly arranged, with additional procurement being finalized continuously,” the ministry confirmed.

Officials have expressed concern about misinformation spreading on social media platforms, specifically addressing videos and posts that “selectively use images of queues, global news footage of rationing in other countries, and completely bogus and fabricated claims of impending lockdowns and emergency fuel measures in India to create a wholly false impression of shortage.”

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has categorically stated that India’s petroleum and LPG supply situation remains “fully secure and under control,” emphasizing that all retail fuel outlets have sufficient supplies and there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG anywhere in the country.

Despite these assurances, media reports indicate that some panic buying has occurred, with images circulating of people bringing unconventional containers such as jars, cookers, and water buckets to collect fuel at stations across the country.

The government’s statements come at a critical time when global energy markets remain on edge due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East and continuing uncertainty over the security of key shipping routes for petroleum products.