'Don't believe in rumors': Centre reiterates no shortage anywhere, asks public not to resort to panic buying

Amid concerns over availability of petrol and diesel, the government on Wednesday assured that there is no shortage of crude oil, and petrol pumps across the country are functioning normally.

"We have sufficient inventory of crude oil available, meaning there is an adequate quantity in stock. Our refineries are also operating at optimum capacity. I would like to inform the citizens of the country that we have an annual refining capacity of approximately 26 crore tonnes of crude oil. I am saying this because over the past two days, we have seen queues outside retail outlets and petrol pumps in several areas, and panic buying has also been observed," Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma said during an inter-ministerial briefing.

"I want to assure the citizens that there is no shortage at any petrol pump. There is also sufficient availability at the terminals that supply fuel to petrol pumps. Therefore, do not believe in rumors and avoid panic buying. I would also like to say that there has been no increase in the prices of petrol and diesel," she added.

The government further said that expansion of domestic PNG is among its priorities currently, and steps are being taken in this regard.

"Domestic PNG (Piped Natural Gas) connections are among the top priorities of the Government of India, and 100 per cent PNG supply is being ensured there. In the same way, the quantity of CNG used for transportation is also being made available 100 per cent to consumers," Sharma said.

"I would like to reiterate that the Government of India is focusing on PNG expansion, and in this regard, several steps have been taken. Many companies have announced incentives such as free gas up to Rs 500 or waivers on security deposits. State governments have also been written to, and they have been asked to provide an additional 10 per cent commercial LPG," she added.

India is facing a shortage of LPG cylinders due to the war in West Asia that has disrupted energy supplies globally. However, the Centre has been assuring that things are under control.