Bharat Gas has reassured customers of fuel availability amidst rising concerns over shortages due to the US-Iran conflict. The company has taken measures to prevent hoarding.
Bharat Gas Assures Customers
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) stated, “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.” This declaration comes in the wake of rising panic among consumers regarding potential fuel shortages linked to the ongoing conflict in the West Asian region, particularly the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The union government has echoed BPCL’s sentiment, with Hardeep Singh Puri affirming, “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 led to increased demand for fuel, particularly liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), across various states.
Rising Demand and Preventive Measures
In recent days, LPG bookings have surged by 15% to 20% in parts of Bengal, especially in Kolkata, as consumers rushed to secure supplies. The average daily LPG demand in Bengal stands at 5 lakh cylinders, with the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) supplying nearly 3 lakh cylinders daily. In response to this spike in demand, BPCL and IOC have implemented a 21-day lock-in period for domestic LPG refills to prevent hoarding.
Bijon Bihari Biswas, a representative from IOC, noted, “The panic bookings have led OMCs to fix a lock-in period on Friday so that consumers don’t hoard cylinders.” This measure is intended to stabilize the supply chain and ensure that all consumers have access to LPG without the risk of shortages.
Pricing Concerns
Despite the assurances regarding availability, there has been a recent increase in LPG prices, with a rise of Rs 60 for a 14.2-kg household cylinder, bringing the cost to Rs 939. The price for a 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder has also increased to Rs 1,990. These price adjustments, coupled with the rising demand, have further fueled consumer anxiety.
K M Thakur, another official, emphasized, “There is no scarcity of LPG as of now. Customers should not indulge in panic booking.” This statement reflects the ongoing efforts by BPCL and IOC to manage public perception and maintain order in the market.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
India has significantly diversified its crude import sources over the past few years, with 20% of its total crude imports coming from Russia in February 2026. This shift has been crucial in mitigating potential supply disruptions stemming from geopolitical tensions. In fact, India imported approximately 1.04 million barrels per day from Russia, showcasing its strategic adjustments in energy sourcing.
As the situation evolves, BPCL continues to monitor the market closely, ensuring that fuel remains accessible to consumers. The company’s proactive communication and measures are designed to alleviate concerns and maintain stability in the energy sector amidst external pressures.
