No fuel shortage, say oil firms; urge public to avoid panic buying
New Delhi (PTI): State-owned oil companies on Wednesday said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country, urging citizens not to believe rumours circulating on social media or resort to panic buying.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation's largest oil firm, said "there is no shortage of petrol or diesel", adding that its outlets are "well-stocked and fully operational".
It cautioned that rumours "can create unnecessary concern and disrupt normal supply patterns" and urged citizens to "avoid panic buying and rely only on verified information".
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL) termed reports of fuel shortages in certain areas "completely unfounded", asserting that "there is no shortage of fuel across the nation".
The company said India is a net exporter of petrol and diesel and has "adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol, diesel and ATF", with supply chains operating "smoothly without any disruption".
It added that it remains "fully operational and committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply".
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) also said there is "no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG across the country", with supplies remaining stable and stocks adequate.
It advised customers not to be misled by rumours or engage in panic buying, and to "continue with normal consumption patterns", adding that it is committed to ensuring "an uninterrupted and seamless fuel supply" across its network.
While the war in West Asia has disrupted crude oil, LNG and LPG supply chains, India with its diversified sourcing has been able to secure enough supplies of crude oil (the raw material used to make fuels like petrol and diesel) from West Africa, Latin America and the US.
The disruption in liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to India's largest supplier's facilities in Qatar being hit in the war, has led to prioritisation of the fuel to domestic users and CNG while some curtailment has been done for industrial users like fertilizer plants.
LPG is the most impacted by the war as the country relied on imports to meet 60 per cent of its demand. A majority of it came from the Gulf countries, from where supplies have been hit. This has led to government prioritising supplies to domestic household kitchens and curtailing usage by commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants by at least half.
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Minor booked under POCSO in Mudigere case; FIR also against parents
Chikkamagaluru: A case registered earlier in Mudigere has taken a new turn, with police booking a minor boy under the POCSO Act based on a complaint filed by the girl’s family.
According to a report by Asianet News, the case involves a PUC student and an SSLC student. Based on the girl’s statement, police have registered a case against the boy under provisions of the POCSO Act and the Information Technology Act.
In the complaint, the girl alleged that the boy threatened to circulate her private photos on social media if she refused to convert and marry him. It has also been alleged that he threatened harm to her parents if she did not agree.
Sources said the girl had not come forward earlier due to fear for her family’s safety.
In a related development, police have also registered a case against six members of a Hindu organisation for allegedly assaulting the minor boy.
An FIR has been filed against the boy’s parents as well, with allegations that they had encouraged his actions.
Chikkamagaluru Superintendent of Police Jitendra Dayama said complaints have been received from both sides and an investigation is in progress. “We will conduct a fair inquiry and establish the facts,” he said.
Further investigation is underway.
