Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has taken a proactive stance in addressing the rising concerns over fuel shortages in India, stating, “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. Citizens are assured that there is no need for any concern. Using fuel wisely always helps.” This statement comes in the wake of escalating tensions in the West Asian region due to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which have sparked panic among consumers regarding potential fuel shortages.

In response to the situation, BPCL has been actively communicating with its customers, sending SMS alerts to clarify the status of fuel supplies. The union government has also weighed in, with Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, asserting, “There is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers.” This reassurance aims to quell fears that have arisen from the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

India’s energy landscape has evolved significantly over the past few years, particularly in its crude import strategies. Notably, in February 2026, approximately 20 percent of India’s total crude imports were sourced from Russia, amounting to around 1.04 million barrels per day. This diversification has been crucial in maintaining energy security amidst global uncertainties.

Amidst the panic, BPCL and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) have implemented a 21-day lock-in period for domestic LPG refills in Kolkata to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution. The surge in bookings has been significant, with IOC reporting around 1.5 lakh bookings in a single day, a stark increase from the usual 1 lakh. The average daily LPG demand in Bengal stands at 5 lakh cylinders, with IOC managing to supply nearly 3 lakh.

As a result of the increased demand and panic buying, LPG prices in Kolkata are expected to rise by Rs 60, with the cost of a 14.2-kg household cylinder reaching Rs 939 and the 19 kg commercial cylinder going up to Rs 1,990. Bijon Bihari Biswas, a representative from IOC, stated, “The panic bookings have led OMCs to fix a lock-in period on Friday so that consumers don’t hoard cylinders.”

Additionally, K M Thakur, another official, emphasized, “There is no scarcity of LPG as of now. Customers should not indulge in panic booking.” This message is critical in encouraging consumers to remain calm and avoid exacerbating the situation through unnecessary purchases.

As the situation continues to develop, BPCL and the government remain committed to ensuring that energy supplies remain stable and accessible to all consumers. The focus now shifts to monitoring the market and consumer behavior to prevent further panic and maintain order in fuel distribution.

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