New Delhi, May 23 (H.S.): Amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia, state-owned oil and gas marketing company Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Saturday dismissed concerns over any nationwide shortage of petrol and diesel in the country.

In a post on X, the company denied reports suggesting an overall fuel shortage and clarified that instances of limited fuel availability at a few petrol pumps are “highly localised” and temporary in nature. According to IOC, these disruptions are the result of regional demand-supply imbalances and changes in sales patterns in certain areas.

The company stated, “Indian Oil, along with other oil marketing companies, continues to maintain adequate fuel stocks and uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel across the country.”

IOC explained that the increased demand at some retail outlets has been driven by several factors, including seasonal growth in diesel consumption during the harvesting period, a shift of consumers from comparatively higher-priced private fuel stations to public sector outlets, and increased institutional purchases due to rising wholesale fuel prices in line with international market trends.

The company further said that all Indian Oil retail outlets are functioning normally and that fuel availability and supply remain stable. “There is absolutely no cause for concern or disruption,” the statement added.

IOC also mentioned that the clarification was prompted by feedback received from one of its regular customers in Haryana. The company said that behind every smooth journey lies the dedication of its employees, who ensure fuel availability whenever and wherever required.

According to IOC, petrol sales recorded a year-on-year growth of 14 percent between May 1 and May 22, while diesel sales increased by nearly 18 percent during the same period, reflecting sustained and exceptionally high demand that the company is successfully meeting across the country.

The company reiterated, “We want to assure customers and the general public that there is no overall shortage of petrol or diesel in the country. The situation being observed at a few retail outlets is extremely local and temporary, arising from regional demand-supply imbalances and the rebalancing of sales trends in select areas.”

IOC further stated that only a very small number of outlets within its network of more than 42,000 petrol pumps have experienced supply disruptions, while the overwhelming majority continue to maintain normal and adequate fuel stocks.

The company added that public sector oil marketing companies are maintaining sufficient fuel reserves nationwide and are taking necessary measures to address these isolated disruptions and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply across all regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar