India Faces No Fuel Shortage; 70% of Crude Imports Shifted Away from Hormuz: Hardeep Puri

New Delhi: The government on Thursday assured Parliament that India is facing no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation turbine fuel, or LPG, despite disruptions in global energy markets triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said the government is closely monitoring fuel supply and distribution to ensure uninterrupted availability across the country. He emphasised that safeguarding energy access for households—particularly the kitchens of over 33 crore families—remains a top priority.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Indian Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said India has adequate fuel stocks, and there is no cause for concern over availability

Puri added that the overall fuel supply position remains stable and comfortable, with inventories sufficient to meet demand pic.twitter.com/LV6XcBP0DI

— WION (@WIONews) March 12, 2026

Puri said India has significantly reduced its reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, with nearly 70% of crude oil imports now sourced from routes outside the critical shipping corridor, up from about 55% before the conflict escalated.

Despite the current geopolitical situation involving major energy producers, our energy imports are secure and continue to flow from different sources using non-Hormuz routes.

We are comfortably placed and are able to meet the energy requirements of our citizens.

There is no… pic.twitter.com/rr2YTIXBMB

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) March 12, 2026

Highlighting India’s diversified energy strategy, the minister said the country now imports crude oil from around 40 countries, compared with 27 in 2006–07. Refineries are operating at high capacity levels, with some even exceeding their rated output.

To strengthen domestic supplies, refineries have been directed to maximise LPG production, resulting in a 28% increase in output in recent days. The standard delivery time for domestic LPG cylinders remains about 2.5 days, unchanged from pre-crisis levels.

Puri said reports of shortages in some areas are largely due to panic booking and consumer anxiety, rather than any disruption in supply. Essential institutions such as hospitals and educational establishments have been placed under priority fuel supply to ensure uninterrupted services.

He also noted that the government has taken steps to prevent hoarding and black marketing, while ensuring that commercial LPG distribution remains regulated during the current supply constraints.

Despite rising global energy prices, the government has continued to shield consumers. LPG prices for beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana remain significantly lower than market-linked rates, with a substantial portion of the cost absorbed by the government.

Puri urged citizens and political leaders to avoid spreading rumours about fuel shortages, stressing that India’s energy system remains stable and capable of navigating the current global crisis.