Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has assured Parliament that India is not facing any shortage of fuel and that the country’s crude oil supply position remains secure, despite global disruptions caused by tensions and conflict in West Asia.
Government Reassures Parliament on Fuel Availability
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the minister said the government has taken multiple steps to safeguard India’s energy security and ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products across the country. He emphasized that petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), kerosene, and fuel oil are all sufficiently available, and supply chains remain fully functional.
Puri urged people not to panic or spread rumours regarding fuel shortages, stressing that the government is closely monitoring the situation and has secured adequate supplies through diversified import routes.
Global Disruptions and the Strait of Hormuz
The reassurance comes amid a major disruption in global energy markets linked to tensions in West Asia that affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes. Around 20% of global crude oil and natural gas flows through this corridor, making the situation particularly significant for energy-importing countries.
Despite the disruption, the minister said India has secured alternative supply arrangements to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market.
Diversified Crude Imports Strengthen Energy Security
According to the government, India has significantly diversified its crude oil sourcing in recent years. Currently, about 70% of India’s crude oil imports are coming from routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, reducing dependence on the Gulf transit route and strengthening the country’s energy resilience.
India now imports crude from around 40 countries, compared with 27 sources in 2006-07, giving the country more flexibility during global supply disruptions.
LPG and Gas Supplies Also Stable
The government has also taken steps to secure the supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), which is used by millions of households. LPG production has been increased by about 28%, and additional imports have been arranged from countries including the United States, Norway, Canada, Algeria and Russia.
Officials also said that refineries across the country are operating at high capacity to maintain adequate fuel stocks.
Government Calls for Calm
With concerns circulating over possible shortages due to global tensions, the petroleum minister reiterated that India’s energy system remains stable and capable of meeting domestic demand. The government continues to monitor global developments while ensuring uninterrupted supply of fuel to citizens and industries.
