India-Pakistan tensions: Oil companies say fuel stocks sufficient, urge public not to panic

India has sufficient supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG, and there is no need for panic buying, top oil companies said on Friday, following rising tensions with Pakistan.State-run firms — Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Bharat Petroleum (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) — issued separate statements assuring the public of adequate fuel stocks and normal operations. The statements came as social media was flooded with videos and posts of people lining up at fuel stations, amid rising tensions between the two neighbouring nations.“Indian Oil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly. There is no need for panic buying, fuel and LPG are readily available at all our outlets,” IOC stated on X.“Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our supply lines running seamlessly and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for all,” IOC added.Panic buying was mainly seen in states bordering Pakistan. Several states such as Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab enforced blackouts after Pakistan launched drone and missile attacks on the night of May 8-9.The Indian Army said it “effectively repulsed” the attacks, but these incidents triggered concerns about potential escalation and led to fuel hoarding in border areas.BPCL further confirmed all citizens that “sufficient stock of Petrol, Diesel, CNG, and LPG are available across our nationwide network.”“All BPCL fuel stations and LPG distributorships across its nationwide network are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet the energy needs of consumers. There is no cause for concern or panic buying. Our supply chain operations remain robust and efficient, ensuring uninterrupted supplies. We urge all customers to remain calm” the company stated.HPCL also confirmed sufficient fuel and LPG stocks nationwide. “Our supply chain is operating seamlessly,” it said. “There is absolutely no need for panic buying. Fuel and LPG are readily available at all HPCL outlets. Let’s stay calm and avoid unnecessary rush to ensure uninterrupted service for everyone,” HPCL added.The three oil companies urged people to stay calm and avoid crowding at fuel stations to help maintain smooth supply and ensure everyone has access to fuel.Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 25 Indians and one Nepalese national. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday, targeting nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Following that, Pakistan tried to attack Indian military sites in over a dozen locations, many near air force bases, using drones and missiles.