Oil major warns against hoarding as viral rumours trigger rush at fuel stations
March 25, 2026: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has clarified that there is no shortage of petrol or diesel in India, stressing that the country continues to remain a net exporter of refined fuels. The company said its supply chains are functioning smoothly across all states, with no disruptions in distribution. BPCL assured that its operations are fully active and capable of meeting demand, highlighting the robustness of India’s refining and logistics infrastructure.
Despite this, misinformation circulating on social media has led to panic buying in several regions. BPCL has urged citizens to avoid hoarding fuel, warning that such behaviour can create artificial shortages and strain local supply systems. The company emphasised that fuel availability remains adequate and advised people to rely only on official updates rather than viral claims.
The clarification comes amid global anxiety triggered by the West Asia conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipments. Additionally, temporary delays at some fuel stations—caused by a shift to advance payment systems in states like Gujarat and Telangana—were misinterpreted as a wider shortage. These isolated incidents, amplified online, led to sudden spikes in fuel demand, further fueling unnecessary panic among consumers.

