No fuel crisis in country, government clarifies after reports of shortage

The government has clarified that there is no fuel shortage in the country amid reports that fuel stations are running dry, sources have said.

Amid reports that fuel stations are running dry in several parts of the country, government sources have clarified that there is no crisis or supply issue with petrol and diesel in the country.

"There may be a possibility that companies are putting pressure on pump owners to clear their pending dues. Companies are asking to clear the dues, which may not be happening and that is why companies are reducing their supply in that particular area," sources said.

V Satish Kumar, Director (Marketing) of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) also tweeted to allay such rumours. He said, "Dear Customers,This is to assure that product availability at our retail outlets is absolutely normal. There is adequate product availability & supplies to all markets. We request you not to panic. IndianOil is fully committed to serve at all times. (sic)"

Dear Customers,This is to assure that product availability at our retail outlets is absolutely normal. There is adequate product availability & supplies to all markets. We request you not to panic. #IndianOil is fully committed to serve at all times. @HardeepSPuri @ChairmanIOCL pic.twitter.com/rndgCLqqn3

This comes as several fuel pumps run dry in several states, including Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Himachal.

In Rajasthan's Sikar, 57 pumps have dried out, including government ones. Long queues were witnessed outside pumps in Uttarakhand's Haridwar where owners put up 'no petrol available' outside fuel pumps. In Jaipur, crowds thronged petrol pumps after reports of shortages. Similar scenes were also witnessed in Himachal Pradesh.