Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited Addresses Fuel 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 a recent communication. This assurance comes in the wake of rising panic among consumers regarding potential fuel shortages due to escalating tensions in the West Asian region, particularly following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
As the conflict unfolds, the Indian government and BPCL have sought to quell fears by emphasizing that there is no shortage of energy resources in India. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri reiterated this sentiment, declaring, “There is no shortage of energy in India and there is no cause of worry for our energy consumers.” These statements aim to reassure the public amidst a backdrop of increasing concern over fuel supply disruptions.
In recent years, India has made significant strides in diversifying its crude import sources, with a notable increase in imports from Russia, which accounted for 20% of India’s total crude imports in February 2026. This diversification strategy has positioned India to better withstand potential shocks in the global oil market, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions.
However, the panic surrounding fuel availability has led to a surge in bookings for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), prompting BPCL and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to implement a 21-day lock-in period for domestic LPG refills in Kolkata. This measure aims to curb hoarding behavior among consumers, as booking levels surged by 15%-20% in parts of Bengal, especially in Kolkata.
Reports indicate that the average daily LPG demand in Bengal stands at 5 lakh cylinders, with IOC supplying nearly 3 lakh cylinders to meet this demand. However, the spike in bookings has raised concerns about potential price increases, with LPG prices in Kolkata expected to rise by Rs 60. Currently, the cost of a 14.2-kg household LPG cylinder is Rs 939, while the 19 kg commercial cylinder is priced at Rs 1,990.
In response to the situation, Bijon Bihari Biswas, a spokesperson for the oil marketing companies (OMCs), 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 emphasized, “There is no scarcity of LPG as of now. Customers should not indulge in panic booking.” These statements reflect the ongoing efforts by authorities to manage consumer behavior and ensure a steady supply of fuel.
As the situation develops, the government and BPCL continue to monitor the fuel supply landscape closely. While the immediate concerns over shortages have been addressed, the potential for fluctuations in demand and pricing remains a topic of interest for consumers and industry stakeholders alike. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impacts of the current geopolitical climate on India’s energy security.
