Petrol, Diesel and LPG Supply Under Watch; Amit Shah To Lead High-Level Panel

Concerns over a possible petrol, diesel and LPG shortage nationwide has prompted the Centre to move quickly, as tensions in West Asia threaten global fuel supply routes. While authorities say supplies remain adequate, the government has stepped in with a high-level monitoring mechanism to prevent panic buying and ensure uninterrupted distribution in the national capital.

Government steps in to prevent fuel disruption

The Union government has formed a three-minister oversight committee headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah to closely monitor the availability of petrol, diesel and cooking gas in Delhi. The panel also includes External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Officials said the committee will track fuel stocks, distribution networks and logistics on a daily basis to ensure that petrol pumps, LPG distributors and gas supply chains continue functioning normally despite global uncertainty.

Panic triggered by West Asia tensions

The move comes amid growing speculation that the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran could disrupt shipments through the strategic Strait of Hormuz - one of the world's most important oil transit routes. The situation triggered rumours of shortages in Delhi, leading to concerns among consumers and commercial users.

However, government officials stressed that there is no immediate shortage of petrol, diesel or domestic LPG in the capital.

Measures to stabilise LPG supply

As a precaution, authorities have extended the LPG cylinder booking interval from 21 days to 25 days to manage demand and ensure that supplies reach households first. Oil companies have been directed to prioritise domestic cooking gas deliveries, with most customers continuing to receive cylinders within two to three days of booking.

Officials are also working to restore and stabilise gas flows to industrial users, with the aim of bringing supply levels back to about 80 per cent of normal consumption.

Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing

Delhi authorities have warned against hoarding, illegal diversion or black marketing of fuel and LPG cylinders. Police and revenue officials have been instructed to carry out inspections of storage facilities, distributors and transporters to prevent artificial shortages.

At the same time, the government is conducting regular stock reviews with oil marketing companies and city gas distributor Indraprastha Gas Limited to maintain steady supplies of PNG and CNG for essential services, including hospitals, transport and public utilities.

Reassuring consumers

Officials say the high-level monitoring mechanism is meant to reassure consumers and prevent panic buying at petrol pumps and LPG outlets. The government maintains that India has sufficient fuel reserves and supply arrangements to manage short-term disruptions linked to global geopolitical tensions.

The committee is expected to submit regular updates to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the Centre continues to track developments in the global energy market and safeguard fuel availability for the country.