Jars, milk cans, and drums: How people are queueing up at petrol pumps amid rumours of fuel shortage

A video showing people queueing at a petrol pump with plastic jars, milk cans and even large drums has gone viral on social media.

In the undated clip, reportedly from Gujarat, individuals are seen filling petrol into milk containers and plastic cans, while one man arrives with a large yellow drum. Similar videos have surfaced from different parts of the country, showing long queues at fuel stations despite government assurances that there is no shortage.

Earlier in the day, the Government of India clarified that the country has around 60 days of oil stock cover and has secured one full month of LPG supply.


Amid reports of panic buying, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas released details of crude oil, fuel and LPG stocks for the first time since the West Asia conflict began, aiming to ease concerns.


State-owned oil marketing companies also reiterated that petrol, diesel and LPG supplies remain stable, with no shortages reported.

In its statement, the ministry said all petrol pumps across the country are adequately stocked and operating normally, with no rationing in place.

It acknowledged that some petrol pumps, particularly in smaller towns, faced difficulties in lifting fuel after being placed on a cash-and-carry system. To address this, credit availability has been increased to over three days from the earlier one day, ensuring smooth supply despite working capital constraints.

“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG anywhere in the country,” the ministry said, stressing that the supply situation is “fully secure and under control.”

Urging citizens not to panic, it warned against “a deliberately mischievous, coordinated campaign of misinformation” aimed at creating unnecessary fear.

While the Iran-related tensions have disrupted part of crude oil supplies, India has secured alternative sources to cover demand for the next 60 days. Fuel storage levels are also sufficient to meet nearly two months of requirements.

On LPG, despite disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz, the government said 800,000 tonnes of cargo have been secured and one month of supply is firmly arranged.

Separately, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) confirmed that their outlets are functioning normally without any supply issues.

India, the world’s fourth-largest refiner and fifth-largest exporter of petroleum products, continues to ensure domestic availability while supplying fuels to over 150 countries.

The ministry said all refineries are operating at over 100% capacity, with crude supplies for the next 60 days already tied up.

India has a total storage capacity of 74 days, while the current stock cover stands at about 60 days, including crude, refined products and strategic reserves.

“Nearly two months of steady supply is available for every Indian citizen regardless of global developments,” the statement said.

With crude procurement secured for the next two months, the government asserted that India remains well-positioned for the foreseeable future.

It also dismissed claims of critically low reserves as misinformation, stating that crude inflows remain stable despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, with increased imports from alternative sources compensating for any disruptions.

LPG availability remains adequate, supported by higher domestic production and diversified imports.

The government further warned that misleading social media posts about shortages are being circulated to create panic, adding that action will be taken against those responsible.

According to the ministry, all one lakh-plus retail fuel outlets across the country are operational and supplying fuel without interruption, with no instructions issued for rationing.

While several countries globally are facing rationing, price hikes and supply restrictions, India has not imposed any such measures.

Describing panic buying as “isolated instances” at select locations, the ministry said these were triggered by misinformation circulating online.

“Despite increased demand at certain pumps, fuel was supplied to all consumers, and oil depots operated overnight to boost availability,” it said.

Reiterating its position, the government stated that India is currently sourcing crude from over 41 suppliers worldwide, with higher global availability compensating for any disruptions.

Rejecting claims that the country has only six days of fuel stocks, it said India has sufficient reserves and supply arrangements to ensure uninterrupted availability in the coming months.

With PTI inputs