Public sector oil and gas company Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) on Wednesday denied claims of domestic supply disruptions in petrol and diesel supply due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. As concerns about the energy crisis mount, BPCL noted that India has enough fuel reserves and alternative supply sources to manage short-term disruptions.
“Rumours about disruption in petrol and diesel supply due to the Strait of Hormuz are misleading. India has adequate fuel reserves and alternative supply sources to manage short-term global disruptions,” BPCL posted on X.
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The PSU company's statement followed after a video of one of its petrol pumps was shared on X. The video, shared by journalist Ranvijay Singh, highlighted the situation at a petrol pump in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, where a large crowd had gathered for fuel supply.
“Huge crowd at petrol pumps in Indore. This situation has been happening across the country for the past two days. People have panicked. The government should come forward and make a statement,” the X post in Hindi made by Singh read.
Reacting to the post, BPCL urged the people not to rely on rumours or rush to fuel stations and assured smooth fuel availability. “BPCL continues to ensure smooth fuel availability. Please do not rely on rumours or rush to fuel stations,” it noted.
PM Modi Addresses Middle East Crisis
The undated video from Indore has surfaced two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament on the Middle East crisis. As the ongoing US-Iran war entered its fourth week, the PM noted on Monday that the situation is “concerning”.
Following the US-Israel's strikes on Iran, the Islamic nation has choked the vital Strait of Hormuz sea route, which is responsible for 20% of global oil supply. This has led to widespread panic in India and other countries that import their energy needs via this route.
Reacting to these developments, PM Modi said in Lok Sabha: “A large quantity of essential items such as crude oil, gas, and fertilisers come to India through the Strait of Hormuz. Since the war began, the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz has become highly challenging.”
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He also noted that the government is trying to ensure adequate fuel supply for common people and urged all parties to reach a peaceful resolution as soon as possible. He informed the House that India maintains over 5.3 million metric tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves. However, the PM urged the citizens to remain prepared as “the difficult global conditions caused by this war are likely to persist for a long time.”
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