The Centre on Monday moved quickly to clear the air after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to reduce fuel consumption and adopt measures such as public transport and work-from-home wherever possible. The government said the Prime Minister’s message should not be interpreted as a signal of shortage, but rather as a call for responsible use of resources during a period of global economic uncertainty.
The clarification came amid discussions about the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and their possible impact on global energy markets. Officials stressed that India’s fuel supplies remain stable and there is no reason for concern among the public.
Speaking after chairing a high-level meeting of ministers to review energy supply chains and the availability of essential commodities, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the country has sufficient stocks of key fuels. According to him, India currently has reserves equivalent to around 60 days of crude oil and natural gas, along with about 45 days of LPG supplies. He reiterated that there is no shortage of petroleum products anywhere in the country.
Rajnath Singh explained that the Prime Minister’s appeal was aimed at encouraging citizens to use resources wisely at a time when international crude oil prices remain unusually high. Even though India has maintained stable fuel prices for consumers, the country is still bearing a significant financial burden due to rising global costs.
India imports a large portion of its crude oil, and fluctuations in international markets directly affect the national economy. Officials said fuel conservation can help reduce this burden and strengthen the country’s ability to manage future disruptions in energy supply.
Despite the volatility in global markets, India has managed to keep domestic fuel prices relatively steady. In many other countries, petrol and diesel prices have surged by 30 to 70 percent over the past few months. In contrast, Indian oil marketing companies have absorbed massive losses to prevent the price increase from being passed directly to consumers.
Government estimates suggest that these companies are currently facing under-recoveries of nearly ₹30,000 crore every month. On a daily basis, the losses are estimated at around ₹1,000 crore. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the total under-recovery has touched close to ₹2 lakh crore.
Officials said these figures highlight the financial strain that the country is absorbing in order to keep fuel affordable for citizens. By reducing unnecessary consumption, people can indirectly help ease the economic pressure.
At the same time, the government emphasised that India remains a major player in the global energy market. The country is the world’s third-largest oil refiner and the fourth-largest exporter of petroleum products. Indian refineries export fuel to more than 150 countries while continuing to meet domestic demand without disruption.
Concerns were also raised after the Prime Minister advised citizens to avoid non-essential gold purchases for a year to help reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. However, authorities clarified that India’s forex position remains strong. The country currently holds around $703 billion in foreign exchange reserves, which experts consider a comfortable level for handling imports and currency stability.
Officials from the Information Ministry also said the Prime Minister’s appeal was made in the spirit of collective responsibility. The aim, they said, is to encourage citizens to think about efficient use of resources at a time when global supply chains and energy markets are facing uncertainty.
The government also urged people not to panic or rush to fuel stations, reiterating that there is no shortage of fuel, fertilisers or other essential commodities in the country. According to officials, the situation remains stable and India continues to meet both domestic demand and international commitments without disruption.