The government on Monday assured citizens that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or crude oil in the country and urged people not to panic amid rising tensions in West Asia.
The clarification came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to people to conserve fuel in view of the uncertain global situation.
During an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, officials said India has adequate fuel reserves and is closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation to minimise any possible disruption in energy supplies.
Speaking at the briefing, officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the country has sufficient stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and LPG to meet domestic demand.
Officials stated that nearly 90 per cent of India’s energy imports come from the affected region, but the government has already taken swift measures to reduce the impact of the ongoing conflict on fuel supplies and the overall energy chain.
They stressed that there is no need for panic buying as adequate stocks of all fuel products are available across the country.
“There is no shortage,” officials said, adding that the government has taken all necessary steps to ensure minimum disruption in supplies.
Officials further clarified that Prime Minister Modi’s recent appeal to reduce unnecessary travel and conserve fuel should be viewed as an effort towards energy conservation and reducing the economic burden on the country during a period of global uncertainty, rather than as a response to any immediate supply crisis.
The government reiterated that fuel supplies remain stable and normal across India despite tensions in West Asia.
