The Indian government has urged citizens not to engage in panic buying of fuel, asserting that the country has sufficient reserves of crude oil, petrol, and diesel. The appeal came as long queues formed at fuel stations across India despite official assurances. The government’s statement followed a sharp rise in global oil prices triggered by Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sujata Sharma, a senior official at India’s Petroleum Ministry, stated that there is no shortage of fuel and asked the public not to believe rumors. However, reports from various parts of the country indicated that many people continued to crowd fuel pumps, fearing potential shortages. One commuter told AFP that he had to wait nearly an hour to refuel.

The government’s reassurance aims to stabilize public sentiment and prevent unnecessary strain on fuel distribution networks as global energy markets remain volatile due to geopolitical tensions involving Iran.