Overview
- On Thursday government ministers and state oil firms publicly reassured citizens that there is no nationwide shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG and that distribution networks are functioning normally.
- Officials and OMCs said a Rs 40–42 per litre gap between bulk and retail diesel is pushing institutional buyers to retail pumps and has caused 20–30% demand spikes at some locations.
- Operational data cited by the ministry show diesel production at about 10 million tonnes against roughly 8 million tonnes of consumption in April and refineries running above usual capacity, supporting the claim of adequate stocks.
- Authorities have stepped up enforcement with thousands of inspections and raids, tightened LPG delivery authentication to about 96%, accelerated PNG connections and redirected refinery streams to raise domestic LPG output.
- Consumers were urged not to panic buy because temporary pump‑level ‘dry‑out’ situations reflect last‑mile logistics pressure rather than an overall supply shortfall, and BPCL has delayed refinery maintenance while planning large FY27 capex to help sustain supplies.