India Assures Adequate Fuel Supply Amid West Asia Tensions, Warns Against Unsafe Storage

Amid rising concerns over fuel availability due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday issued an advisory assuring citizens that petrol and diesel remain adequately available across India.

In a statement shared on X, the ministry said fuel stocks at retail outlets across the country remain stable and urged consumers to avoid unsafe practices such as storing petrol or diesel in loose or inappropriate containers, warning that such actions pose serious safety risks.

Safety Violation Detected in Tamil Nadu

The advisory follows an incident reported in Tamil Nadu, where petrol was allegedly dispensed into a loose container at a retail outlet—an act that violates established safety norms.

The ministry confirmed that strict action has already been taken, including the suspension of the petrol pump involved. Authorities also directed fuel retailers nationwide to strictly comply with safety guidelines when dispensing petrol and diesel.

Officials warned that any violation of safety regulations would attract stringent action.

Advisory Issued Amid Supply Concerns

The government’s clarification comes at a time when concerns over fuel supplies have intensified due to disruptions in global energy supply chains linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Particular attention has been focused on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical maritime oil routes, where tensions have raised fears of possible disruptions to international energy shipments.

Rumours of shortages have triggered panic buying in some regions, temporarily affecting supplies at a few fuel stations despite adequate national stock levels. Authorities have urged the public not to rely on unverified information and reassured citizens that India’s fuel supply chain remains stable.

LPG Shipments Resume Passage

The government also confirmed progress in securing the movement of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) shipments through the Gulf region after supply disruptions earlier raised concerns about potential shortages.

Two Indian cargo vessels carrying LPG were recently permitted by Iranian authorities to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The first vessel, Shivalik, has already moved through the strait and safely reached open waters under the guidance of the Indian Navy.

Meanwhile, the second LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, has also successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz and entered open waters. Government sources confirmed that the vessel is transporting more than 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG.

Officials said the safe passage of these shipments represents an important step in ensuring the continuity of India’s energy supply amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region.