Bhubaneswar: Oil marketing companies have directed petrol stations across Odisha to restrict sales to a maximum of 50 litres of petrol and 500 litres of high-speed diesel (HSD) per customer, triggering public concerns over potential fuel shortages even as the Centre and state government maintain that inventories remain sufficient amid escalating conflict in West Asia.
The restriction, initially an internal directive from the companies, came to light after a dealer at CRP Square in Bhubaneswar displayed a public notice informing customers of the new limits. Dealers have been instructed to strictly comply, with warnings that they are under close monitoring.
Sources indicated the move aims primarily to deter industries from making bulk purchases of cheaper commercial diesel at retail pumps, where industrial diesel currently costs around Rs 22 more per litre.
Sanjay Lath, secretary general of the All India Petroleum Dealers’ Association, explained that the cap seeks to stop industries from hoarding diesel through retail outlets. “Petrol pumps have been asked to share the CCTV footage of the heavy vehicles which refill more than 500 litre diesel,” he told TNIE.
Lath emphasised that current national stocks of petrol and diesel are adequate, with crude oil being imported at approximately $108 per barrel (159 litres). He noted that the situation would only deteriorate significantly if imports face severe disruptions.
In Bhubaneswar, daily consumption stands at about 3.20 lakh litres of petrol and 2.20 lakh litres of diesel, and supplies are reportedly meeting demand without interruption. Oil companies have confirmed issuing the directive to dealers but insisted there is no actual shortage of fuel in the state or nationwide.
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in West Asia, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have affected global oil flows. The Indian government has repeatedly reassured citizens that the country holds enough crude and refined product inventories to weather short-term disruptions, with stocks reportedly sufficient for several weeks to two months. Refineries are operating at high capacity, and contingency plans—including strategic petroleum reserves and diversified import sources from regions like the US, Russia, West Africa, and Latin America—are in place. Officials, including from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, have urged the public not to panic or engage in hoarding.