Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), a major public-sector company in India, has reassured customers about the availability of fuel amidst rising concerns on social media regarding potential shortages. This assurance comes in light of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that has intensified over the past week.
In response to widespread panic, BPCL sent SMS alerts to its customers in both English and Hindi, labeling the claims of fuel shortages as ‘misleading and baseless.’ The message emphasized that there is adequate fuel supply in the country and urged citizens to remain calm.
The union government has also stepped in to quell fears. Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated on March 7, 2026, that there is no energy shortage in India. He reassured the public that the country’s energy imports remain uninterrupted despite the geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
The conflict has seen Iranian strikes targeting oil and natural gas infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, and others. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil supply route, has further exacerbated global concerns.
India has diversified its crude import sources significantly, with imports from Russia increasing sharply since 2022. In February 2026, roughly 20% of India’s crude imports originated from Russia, amounting to approximately 1.04 million barrels per day. Additionally, India has begun importing LPG from the United States under a new contract.
State-run Indian Oil Corporation has also dismissed rumors of fuel shortages, asserting that the distribution networks are functioning normally and that there is no need for panic. The government has instructed major refineries to increase output to ensure sufficient availability nationwide.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, March 8, 2026
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