India Prioritizes Energy Security Over US Sanctions Waiver, Continues Russian Crude Imports India has reaffirmed its commitment to energy security by continuing to purchase crude oil from Russia, regardless of a U.S. sanctions waiver, according to a statement by Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the petroleum ministry. Sharma addressed media on Monday, clarifying that India has sourced Russian oil before, during, and after the waiver period. She emphasized that the country’s oil procurement decisions are driven by commercial viability and economic considerations, not geopolitical pressures. The U.S. had initially approved a waiver in March 2023, allowing India to import Russian crude, and extended it further. However, the current waiver expired on May 16, 2023. The exemption was intended to stabilize global energy markets by increasing crude availability, but the Trump administration has urged India to reduce purchases of discounted Russian oil as part of broader efforts to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine conflict. Despite this, India’s imports of Russian crude have remained at record levels. According to Kpler data, Russian oil shipments to India reached 2.3 million barrels per day in May 2023, a figure attributed to the extended waiver covering previously loaded cargoes. Analysts estimate that average imports for the month could still hover around 1.9 million barrels per day. This surge in imports comes amid persistent disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have lasted nearly 75 days, straining global oil supplies. India reportedly sought an extension of the U.S. waiver to mitigate these supply risks. Sharma also noted that India has secured adequate crude supplies and faces no shortage of oil availability.#india #strait_of_hormuz #russia #petroleum_ministry #sujata_sharma
Government Denies Fuel Price Hike Plans, Urges Public to Avoid Panic Buying The Indian government has reiterated its stance that there are no current proposals to increase retail fuel prices, urging citizens to avoid panic buying amid rising concerns over potential price hikes following the conclusion of elections on May 29, 2026. In a press briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, emphasized that oil marketing companies maintain sufficient fuel supplies and called for public restraint in purchasing behavior. Sharma clarified that no official plans exist to raise petrol or diesel prices, urging people to disregard rumors circulating about potential increases. The warnings come amid a surge in panic buying across the country, driven by speculation that fuel prices might rise after the elections. A report by Kotak Institutional Equities had previously estimated that global crude oil prices could necessitate a significant increase of Rs25–Rs28 per litre for petrol and diesel. This forecast triggered widespread anxiety, leading to shortages and operational disruptions in several regions. In Andhra Pradesh, rumors of imminent price hikes resulted in panic buying, leaving over 400 petrol pumps dry by Sunday. The situation has also spilled over into neighboring states, with Telangana authorities attributing the closure of fuel stations to the spillover effect of the panic. India’s fuel prices, which are closely tied to international crude markets, have remained elevated since the conflict in West Asia disrupted critical supply routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for India’s energy imports, has been a focal point of the crisis.#andhra_pradesh #telangana #indian_government #sujata_sharma #kotak_institutional_equities
No Plan To Hike Petrol, Diesel Prices Despite Iran War Disruptions: Centre The Indian government has confirmed there are no immediate plans to increase retail fuel prices amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted global energy markets. Officials emphasized that petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices remain stable, with sufficient domestic fuel availability to meet demand. The statement comes as the government continues to monitor the situation and take measures to minimize disruptions caused by the ongoing crisis in the region. Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, assured the public that fuel prices will remain unchanged for now. "LPG, petroleum, and diesel are available in sufficient quantities, and prices have not increased, so please do not panic," Sharma said. She highlighted that the government is prioritizing the supply of essential fuels to critical sectors such as hospitals, educational institutions, and industries like pharmaceuticals, steel, seeds, and agriculture to prevent major supply bottlenecks. While commercial LPG supplies have faced partial disruptions due to the crisis, availability has been restored to approximately 70 percent. Sharma noted that the government has ensured 100 percent supply for domestic LPG and piped natural gas (PNG) consumers, as well as for compressed natural gas (CNG) used in transportation. Additionally, the supply of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders, commonly used by migrant laborers, has nearly doubled to support vulnerable sections of the population. The government’s reassurance follows reports of volatility in global oil markets, driven by uncertainty in West Asia, a key oil-producing region.#indian_government #west_asia #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma #lpg_supply
Consumer Protection Authority Warns Restaurants Against Charging Extra for Gas, LPG The Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued a directive prohibiting restaurants and hotels from imposing additional charges for gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), labeling such practices as unfair and against consumer protection guidelines. The watchdog emphasized that only applicable taxes can be included in menu prices, and all input costs must be factored into the displayed prices. This move aims to prevent exploitation of consumers amid ongoing fuel supply concerns. Government officials have consistently denied reports of petrol and diesel shortages, with Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, stating that there has been no price increase for these fuels. She also noted that 26 states have received 22,000 tonnes of commercial LPG, and 2.5 lakh new piped natural gas (PNG) connections have been established in the past 25 days. The government has also announced that households will no longer receive LPG supplies if they fail to switch to PNG where connectivity is available, a measure intended to accelerate gas network expansion and reduce reliance on a single fuel. Meanwhile, the Indian Oil Corporation chairman, Arvinder Singh Sahney, urged the public to avoid panic buying and trust official sources, assuring that there is no shortage of fuel. Similar reassurances were made by the Telangana government and its petroleum dealers association, which confirmed adequate stock levels and normal supply chain operations.#strategic_petroleum_reserve #sujata_sharma #consumer_protection_authority #arvinder_singh_sahney #dharmendra_pradhan
Government Clarifies No Changes to LPG Refill Booking Timelines Amid Confusion The Indian government has clarified that there are no changes to the existing LPG refill booking timelines, dismissing reports circulating online that suggested adjustments to the schedule. Officials stated that the information shared is incorrect and misleading, emphasizing that the current system remains unchanged. The ministry of petroleum and natural gas reiterated that the proposed revised intervals—45 days for PMUY connections, 25 days for single non-PMUY connections, and 35 days for double cylinder non-PMUY connections—have no basis in policy. The government assured citizens that adequate LPG supplies are available nationwide and urged them to avoid panic-driven actions. The ministry emphasized that refill bookings continue to follow a uniform structure: 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, regardless of the type of connection. It also warned against the spread of misinformation, advising the public to rely only on official sources. Indian Oil Corp Ltd echoed these statements, confirming that there are no changes to the existing timelines and that LPG supplies remain sufficient across the country. Both the government and the oil firm urged citizens to refrain from unnecessary panic and to trust official communications. Fuel supply concerns have intensified amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have raised fears of disruptions to global energy markets. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum and natural gas, noted that India’s refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories.#indian_government #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma #indian_oil_corp_ltd #piped_natural_gas
Premium Petrol Prices Rise by Rs 2 per Litre Across India On March 22, 2026, oil marketing companies (OMCs) in India announced a price increase for premium petrol, raising it by Rs 2 per litre. This marks the first petrol price adjustment since the onset of the Israel-USA-Iran conflict. Regular petrol prices, however, remained unchanged. The update was shared by Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, during an inter-ministerial press briefing. Premium petrol, which includes brands such as Speed, XP 95, and Power, accounts for approximately 2-4% of total petrol sales in the country. The price hike varies slightly among OMCs, with Bharat Petroleum, Indian Oil, and Hindustan Petroleum adjusting rates by Rs 2 to Rs 2.35 per litre. The decision reflects broader market dynamics and global fuel price trends, though the exact reasons for the increase were not detailed in the announcement. The move has sparked discussions among consumers and industry experts, particularly given the timing of the adjustment. While the government emphasized that premium petrol constitutes a smaller share of overall sales, the price change could impact drivers who prefer these higher-octane fuels. Analysts noted that the hike aligns with recent fluctuations in international crude oil prices, which have influenced domestic fuel costs. The announcement also highlights the role of OMCs in managing fuel pricing strategies. Each company’s pricing adjustments reflect their individual cost structures and market positioning. For instance, Bharat Petroleum’s increase of Rs 2.35 per litre suggests a slightly higher margin compared to other OMCs. This variation underscores the competitive nature of the petroleum sector in India.#indian_oil #bharat_petroleum #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma #hindustan_petroleum
Premium petrol prices increased by Rs 2 per litre, while regular fuel and diesel rates remained unchanged nationwide. The hike affects high-octane fuels like Indian Oil’s XP95 and Hindustan Petroleum’s Power petrol, with revised prices taking effect today. At some stations, IOCL’s XP95 is now priced at approximately Rs 101.80 per litre, and HPCL’s premium petrol has seen a similar rise across various outlets. The price increase coincides with a sharp surge in global crude oil prices, which have remained above $100 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia and fears of supply disruptions. Higher crude costs have increased input expenses for oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil, HPCL, and BPCL. Additionally, the rupee’s decline to record lows against the US dollar has made crude oil imports more expensive for India, which relies heavily on foreign oil. As a result, companies have opted for a selective price adjustment on premium fuels rather than raising rates for regular petrol and diesel, which are more commonly used. The government clarified that the hike is limited to premium fuels and does not signal a broader revision. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that petrol and diesel prices are deregulated, and any adjustments are corporate decisions. Regular fuel prices have remained stable across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai, despite global crude volatility. Policymakers have avoided raising regular fuel prices to prevent inflationary pressures. Premium petrol, which accounts for a smaller share of consumption, allows companies to manage costs without impacting the broader public. For most consumers, the change has minimal immediate effect since regular fuel prices remain unchanged.#bpcl #indian_oil #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma #hindustan_petroleum
Government Urges Citizens to Avoid Panic Over LPG Supplies Amid Global Uncertainty Public concerns over potential shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other fuels have intensified, but the Indian government has reassured citizens that there is no need for panic. The situation has been exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy transport, amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Officials have emphasized that while the closure has disrupted oil supply chains, measures are in place to ensure stability. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, addressed the issue during a press briefing. She highlighted that panic-driven bookings have surged, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary reservations and conserve fuel during this period of global uncertainty. “There is a manifold increase in bookings because of the panic. We urge the citizens to avoid panic booking and all efforts have to be made to conserve the fuel wherever possible,” Sharma stated. The government has assured that the retail fuel network is functioning smoothly, with nearly 100,000 fuel outlets operating without shortages. Sharma noted that approximately 25,000 LPG distributors are supplying around 50 lakh cylinders daily, ensuring uninterrupted access for households. To prioritize essential needs, commercial LPG supplies are being directed toward hospitals and educational institutions. A three-member committee of executive directors from oil marketing companies oversees allocations to prevent hoarding or black market activities. India’s refineries are operating at maximum capacity to boost LPG production, according to Sharma.#iran #united_states #strait_of_hormuz #ministry_of_petroleum_and_natural_gas #sujata_sharma
