Last Updated:March 14, 2026, 15:35 IST

‘Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks,’ says the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.

The government said all retail outlets and dealers have been instructed to strictly follow safety guidelines while dispensing fuel. Any violation will invite strict action.

Amid rising concerns over fuel supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the West Asia, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Saturday issued an advisory assuring citizens that petrol and diesel remain adequately available across the country. It also urged people to avoid unsafe practices such as storing petrol or diesel in loose containers.

In a post on X, the ministry said, “Petrol and diesel are adequately available at retail outlets across the country. Consumers are advised not to take or store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, as it poses serious safety risks.”

The advisory comes after authorities detected a case in Tamil Nadu where petrol was reportedly being dispensed in a loose container at a retail outlet, which violates safety norms.

“It has come to notice that at one retail outlet in Tamil Nadu, petrol was being taken in a loose container, which is unsafe and not advisable,” the ministry said.

Govt warns of strict action for violations

The ministry added that strict action has already been taken in the matter.

“The concerned petrol pump has been suspended, and appropriate action has been taken,” the ministry said.

The ministry also said all fuel retailers across the country have been directed to strictly adhere to safety guidelines while dispensing petrol and diesel.

“All retail outlets and dealers have been instructed to strictly follow safety guidelines while dispensing fuel. Any violation will invite strict action,” the advisory said.

Advisory comes amid supply concerns

The government’s clarification comes at a time when concerns over fuel availability have risen due to disruptions in global energy supply chains due to closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran-Israel war.

Rumours of shortages have also triggered panic buying in some areas, temporarily affecting supplies at a few petrol pumps despite adequate overall stock levels.

Authorities have urged the public not to believe unverified information and assured that the country’s fuel supply chain remains stable.

The country saw a huge shortage of LPG cylinders after the supply was stopped in the West Asia amid the ongoing Iran war. However, two Indian cargo ships carrying LPG have been allowed by the Iranian authorities to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The first Indian LPG vessel, Shivalik, had already begun its movement through the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations helped secure safe passage. The ship has since reached open sea and is sailing safely under Indian Navy guidance. Now, India’s second LPG carrier Nanda Devi has successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz and entered open waters, government sources told CNN-News18, marking another step forward in India’s efforts to safely move its energy cargo through the tense Gulf region.

Nanda Devi is carrying more than 46,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

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