Ample fuel stock, desist from panic buying: Indian Oil Corporation

With rapidly escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, the country’s largest fuel retailer, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), on Friday assured citizens that ample fuel stocks are available across the country. The company urged people to avoid panic buying and hoarding of fuel such as petrol, diesel and cooking gas.

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The advisory followed reports of people resorting to panic buying of essential items and fuel over the past three days, primarily due to viral social media messages that the government has dismissed as fake.

On May 8, PM Narendra Modi, in a meeting with secretaries, stressed the need for seamless coordination among ministries and agencies to ensure operational continuity and institutional resilience.

In a post on X, the IOC said, “We have ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying. Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our supply lines running seamlessly and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for all.”

Industry sources said the fuel supplies remained normal and there had been isolated incidents of panic buying. They warned that panic buying, fuelled by rumours, could itself lead to regional disruptions in fuel supply, making it crucial to counter misinformation about fuel availability.

The assurance follows a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi on May 8 with secretaries of key departments to review national preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination in light of recent developments concerning national security. During the meeting, Modi stressed the importance of seamless coordination among ministries and agencies to maintain operational continuity and institutional resilience.