New Delhi: Fuel sales in the country over the last two days have gone up by more than 15 percent on pan-India basis amid panic buying of petrol and diesel, said the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Vikas Kaushal, on Thursday. “Over the past two days, sales have increased by more than 15 percent on an all-India basis, with certain locations experiencing spikes of over 50 percent compared to average daily sales,” Kaushal said in a post on X.
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The statement comes amid reports of increased footfall at petrol pumps in several parts of the country, pointing to a demand surge that appears to be uneven, with sharper spikes in specific locations.
Kaushal said the spike in consumption has not strained supply infrastructure, with operations continuing as normal across the network. “Our supply chains remain strong, our outlets are fully stocked, and our teams are working around the clock to serve you,” Kaushal said, indicating that inventories and logistics remain aligned with the elevated demand levels.
He added, “For decades, HPCL has stood by the nation, ensuring energy reaches every corner, every day,” underscoring the company’s operational continuity during periods of volatility.
Against the backdrop of rising demand, Kaushal urged consumers to avoid unnecessary purchases. “We urge citizens to remain calm, avoid panic buying, and trust the systems that have consistently delivered for Bharat,” the HPCL CMD said. “We remain committed to ensuring seamless and reliable fuel availability for all,” he added.
In a separate statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India’s petroleum and LPG supply situation is “fully secure and under control”, asserting that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country.
The ministry said current stock cover stands at around 60 days, including crude oil, petroleum products and strategic reserves, and that crude supplies for the next two months have already been tied up.
It also said all retail fuel outlets across the country are operating normally and dispensing fuel without interruption, with no directive issued for rationing.
The ministry attributed isolated instances of high demand at select fuel stations to misinformation circulating on social media, which it said had triggered unnecessary panic.
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It added that oil company depots have been operating through the night to support supplies and that additional logistical and financial measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted availability at retail outlets.
The ministry also warned that spreading false information regarding essential commodity availability is an offence under applicable laws.
