Oil companies assure adequate fuel supply after PM’s ‘be prepared’ remark

Oil companies have assured that India has sufficient fuel reserves, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the nation to remain prepared amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

The reassurance comes against the backdrop of disruptions linked to the ongoing regional conflict, including concerns over supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical route for India’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas imports.

Public sector oil companies said there is no immediate cause for concern, noting that the country maintains adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas to meet domestic demand. They added that supply chains are being closely monitored and contingency plans are in place to handle any potential disruptions.

Prime Minister Modi, while addressing Parliament earlier, had cautioned that the impact of the conflict could be felt over a prolonged period, particularly in sectors dependent on energy imports. He called for preparedness to mitigate risks arising from volatility in global oil and gas markets.

Industry officials said India has diversified its sourcing in recent years, increasing imports from multiple regions to reduce dependence on any single route or supplier. This strategy, they said, provides a buffer against sudden geopolitical shocks.

At the same time, the government and energy firms are coordinating closely to ensure smooth logistics, including shipping and refining operations, as tensions continue to evolve.

Experts note that while current fuel availability remains stable, sustained disruptions in key transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz could still pose challenges if the conflict escalates further.

For now, however, oil companies maintain that India’s fuel supplies are secure, even as authorities stay on alert and prepare for potential contingencies.