Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Addresses Concerns
“Dear Valued Customer, claims of shortage in fuel supply circulating on social media are misleading and baseless. There is adequate availability of fuel in the country,” stated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in response to growing concerns over fuel shortages. This assurance comes amid rising panic among consumers following the escalation of tensions in the US-Iran conflict, which has sparked fears regarding energy security in India.
Government Reassures Public
In a parallel statement, Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasized that “There is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers.” The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a stable energy supply, highlighting that India has diversified its crude import sources significantly in recent years, with a notable increase in imports from Russia, which constituted 20 percent of the total crude imports in February 2026.
Measures to Prevent Hoarding
In light of the panic, BPCL and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have implemented a 21-day lock-in period for domestic LPG refills to prevent hoarding. This decision was made after IOC reported receiving approximately 1.5 lakh bookings in Kolkata on a single day, a significant increase from the usual 1 lakh bookings per day. The average daily LPG demand in Bengal stands at 5 lakh cylinders, prompting the need for these measures to stabilize supply.
Cost of LPG Cylinders
The cost of a 14.2-kg household LPG cylinder in Kolkata is currently ₹939, while a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder costs ₹1990. These prices are reflective of the current market conditions and the ongoing adjustments in the energy sector.
Industry Response to Panic Booking
Industry experts, including Bijon Bihari Biswas, have noted that the panic bookings have necessitated the lock-in period to ensure that consumers do not hoard cylinders unnecessarily. K M Thakur also urged customers to refrain from panic booking, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a steady supply chain.
Looking Ahead
As the situation evolves, BPCL and the government remain focused on ensuring that fuel availability is not compromised. The commitment to maintaining energy security is paramount, especially in light of the geopolitical tensions affecting global oil markets.
With the assurance from BPCL and the government, consumers can expect a stable supply of Bharat gas. However, the situation will continue to be monitored closely to prevent any potential disruptions in the future.
