India Has 60 Days of Oil Stocks, One Month of LPG Supplies: Government Assures No Shortage Amid West Asia Crisis
New Delhi, March 26, 2026 — The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) on Thursday firmly assured citizens that India’s fuel supplies remain stable and secure, despite ongoing disruptions in the West Asia region now entering its 27th day. The government stated that the country currently holds about 60 days of oil and fuel stock cover, while one full month of LPG supply has been firmly arranged.
In an official statement, the ministry dismissed widespread rumours of acute shortages — including claims that only six days of stocks remain — as a “deliberate, coordinated misinformation campaign” aimed at triggering unnecessary panic buying. It emphasised that all petrol pumps and LPG distributors across the country are operating normally with adequate supplies, and there is no rationing or supply gap.
Fuel Stocks and Crude Procurement Secure
According to the MoPNG, India’s total storage capacity for crude oil, refined products (such as petrol and diesel), and strategic reserves stands at 74 days. The actual stock cover is currently around 60 days, which includes commercial inventories held by oil companies, refined products, and stocks in the dedicated strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) stored in underground caverns.
Indian oil companies have already secured crude oil supplies sufficient for the next 60 days, with refineries operating at over 100% capacity utilisation. The ministry noted that the next two months of crude procurement have also been tied up, ensuring no disruption in refining operations or fuel availability.
LPG Situation Under Control
On the LPG (cooking gas) front, the government confirmed that approximately 800,000 tonnes of LPG cargoes have been secured and are en route from diversified sources, including the United States, Russia, and Australia. These shipments, arriving at India’s 22 LPG import terminals, provide one full month of assured supply. Additional procurement is being finalised continuously to maintain buffer stocks.
The ministry highlighted that domestic LPG production has been significantly ramped up, reducing dependence on imports. It urged households to avoid panic booking of cylinders, noting that normal refill booking timelines (typically 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas) remain unchanged. There has been no extension of waiting periods, contrary to some circulating claims.
Addressing Misinformation and Panic
The statement comes in response to reports of long queues at some petrol pumps and LPG distributors in certain areas, which the government attributed largely to panic-driven behaviour rather than any actual nationwide shortage. It appealed to the public not to hoard fuel or cooking gas and warned that spreading false information could exacerbate unnecessary anxiety.
Officials also clarified that strategic petroleum reserves alone are not the full picture; the 60-day figure represents the comprehensive system-wide cover, including commercial stocks and products. Earlier in the crisis, some estimates had placed total inventories lower, but secured imports and higher domestic output have strengthened the position.
Broader Context
India, the world’s fourth-largest oil refiner and a major importer of crude (around 85%) and LPG (historically a significant portion via the Strait of Hormuz), has been actively diversifying its energy sourcing in response to the West Asia conflict. Refineries continue to run smoothly, and the government is encouraging a shift to piped natural gas (PNG) where infrastructure is available to ease pressure on LPG.
The MoPNG said it is closely monitoring the evolving geopolitical situation and has contingency measures in place. Consumers are advised to rely on official updates from the ministry and oil marketing companies rather than unverified social media claims.
As the situation remains fluid due to international developments, the government reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies for both households and industry. For the latest local updates, citizens can check with their nearest fuel outlets or use official apps of oil companies.
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