'No need to panic, we have ample fuel': Indian Oil dispels shortage fears as tensions with Pakistan escalate

NEW DELHI: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the country's largest oil company, on Friday assured that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, urging the public to refrain from panic buying amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan.The clarification came as social media was flooded with videos and posts showing long queues at fuel stations, especially in border states. "Indian Oil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly," the company said in a post on X. "There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG are readily available at all our outlets." Reports of panic buying emerged largely from border regions, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, where several towns enforced blackouts following multiple drone and munition attacks by Pakistan’s armed forces along the western border during the night of May 8–9. The Indian Army later confirmed that these attacks were “effectively repulsed.” The sudden surge in demand for fuel was driven by fears of further escalation. "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," IOC appealed to the public. Tensions escalated after India carried out strikes at nine locations across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and deeper into Pakistani territory, marking one of the most extensive retaliatory actions in decades. In response, Pakistan launched drones and missiles targeting Indian military sites across more than a dozen locations, many of which house Air Force installations. IOC reiterated its request for people to remain composed and avoid creating congestion at fuel stations, emphasising that a calm approach will help ensure the uninterrupted delivery of fuel across the country.