India-Pakistan Tensions: HPCL, IOCL, BPCL Assure Ample Fuel Supply Amid Panic Buying

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. has assured citizens of sufficient fuel availability across the country, urging people to remain calm and avoid panic buying as India-Pakistan tensions escalate and rumours spread online.

In a post on X, on Friday, the state-run oil major assured the public that it has sufficient fuel stocks and that its supply lines are functioning smoothly.

“#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets,” the post read.

The company also urged people to stay calm and avoid unnecessary rush. “Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our supply lines running seamlessly and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for all,” stated the post.

Separately, BPCL said in a statement that its fuel stations and LPG distributorships, across its nationwide network are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet the energy needs of consumers.

"There is no cause for concern or panic buying. Our supply chain operations remain robust and efficient, ensuring uninterrupted supplies. We urge all customers to remain calm," BPCL said.

HPCL also said that sufficient fuel and LPG stocks were available across the country.

"Our supply chain is operating seamlessly," it said. "There is absolutely no need for panic buying. Fuel and LPG are readily available at all HPCL outlets. Let's stay calm and avoid unnecessary rush to ensure uninterrupted service for everyone."

The clarification comes in the wake of widespread misinformation and unverified claims circulating on social media platforms, raising fears of fuel shortages amid the current geopolitical crisis.

Meanwhile, Nayara Energy, in a statement, said its 4,05,000 barrel per day refinery at Vadinar in Gujarat continues to operate at full capacity.

"All our retail outlets are operating normally, and we are well stocked to meet fuel demand. We are keeping a close watch on the situation, staying in regular contact with government officials, and complying fully with the established guidelines. We have multiple tiers of security at the refinery with robust surveillance mechanisms. This security apparatus works in close collaboration with the government's agencies," it added.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated on the night of May 8 and 9, as reports flooded in from Jammu & Kashmir, the Line of Control (LoC), Rajasthan, and several northern regions of India, all affected by heavy Pakistani shelling. India successfully thwarted attempts by the Pakistani military to strike 15 cities across northern and western India using drones and missiles.

Drone and missile attacks were reported in Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir, prompting authorities to activate defence systems, sound emergency sirens, and enforce blackouts in several regions. Sources indicated that a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet was shot down by Indian forces. However, an official confirmation is still awaited.

On Friday morning, Pakistani troops reportedly resumed firing across the LoC, targeting areas such as Kupwara and Uri.

Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with fabricated content and false claims related to the conflict. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) fact-checking team has been actively working to debunk misleading narratives by posting clarifications on X. In light of the surge in misinformation, PIB issued an advisory urging the public to critically assess any information, especially content related to the Indian Armed Forces or the ongoing conflict, and to report suspicious material to #PIBFactCheck through WhatsApp on +91 8799711259  or email to factcheck@pib.gov.in.

With heightened tensions and a growing volume of misleading content online, authorities have appealed for calm and alertness.

(With PTI inputs)