. NEW DELHI: Dismissing reports of any shortage, govt on Thursday asserted that there was no rationing of petrol and diesel anywhere in the country and attributed long queues at fuel pumps in some parts to bulk diesel consumers, such as industries, shifting to retail outlets due to a price gap of nearly Rs 42 a litre. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in petroleum and natural gas ministry, said sales at retail pumps had risen with the onset of the kharif sowing season, while consumers buying from private outlets had shifted to PSU-owned pumps because of price differences in auto fuel. She said a 20-30% increase in sales had been observed at retail pumps in certain parts of the country. “The ministry has done an analysis…oil marketing companies are monitoring the situation. We have sufficient supplies of fuel, and all steps are being taken to maintain them,” Sharma said, while urging the public to avoid panic buying. The statement came amid reports of long queues at retail pumps in several parts of the country and complaints of some outlets rationing supplies. While high-speed diesel for bulk commercial and industrial consumers is sold at nearly Rs 134 per litre, it is available at about Rs 92 per litre at retail outlets, resulting in diversion. Speculation over a possible rise in fuel prices has also prompted additional purchases. The three state-owned OMCs – IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum – also assured consumers there was no shortage of fuel anywhere, though logistics were under pressure because of increased demand.About the AuthorAtul MathurAtul Mathur is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India with over 27 years of experience in journalism. Based in Delhi, he has spent much of his career reporting on governance, public policy and politics, churning out researched, data-driven stories that impact daily lives. Atul is known for investigative depth and strong human-interest narratives as he strives to bring clarity and context to complex issues. He currently tracks the energy sector, writing on power, renewable energy, coal and mines.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCalcutta High Court Junks Pleas On West Bengal Cattle Slaughter Rules Ahead Of Bakr Eid‘Menon’ Surname Row: VD Satheesan Faces Heat From Kerala Congress Leaders Over Oath Name ChoiceIUML And VCK To Also Join Vijay Cabinet In Tamil Nadu, Expansion Tomorrow: ReportTMC Protests Against BJP Government Over Alleged Forced Eviction Of Hawkers In BengalTamil Nadu Cabinet Expansion: Congress MLAs Get Portfolios, Governor Stops Oath Praise Of LeadersNibe Successfully Tests Vayu Astra-1 Loitering Munition In Maiden TrialsCJP X Account Withheld In India After Crossing 200K Followers In Just Four Days | WatchFIR Sought Against Rahul Gandhi Over ‘Traitors’ Remark On PM Modi, Amit ShahAir India Flight AI2651 Hits Tail During Landing, Aircraft Grounded For Inspection At BengaluruViral Cockroach Janta Party Overtakes Congress And BJP In Instagram Followers Race | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom chubby little Gangubai to a fit and fab young actress after losing 22 Kgs; Saloni Daini’s stunning transformation is inspiringDeepika Padukone’s Cannes looks through the yearsPlants that thrive during Indian monsoon without rotting5 desi Indian teas among the Top 50 Teas in the WorldVanessa Trump diagnosed with breast cancer: Inside her life after divorce with Donald Trump Jr.5 White foods you must avoid for good health5 real estate hotspots near newly-opened Navi Mumbai Airport seeing massive growthOptical illusion personality test: Fish, face or stars? What you see first reveals if you are easy-going, deep connector or big-picture visionaryCoconut water vs coconut milk: Which works better for summer hair growth?5 enchanting villages in England that are straight out of a fantasy land123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveIPL Schedule 2026Indian rupeeFalta VotingUK NET MigrationElon MuskTN Ministers ListTop TrendingTN Finance Minister Marie WilsonIPL Match TodayPappu SanaPM ModiHardik PandyaJEE Advanced Response SheetIPL Orange Cap 2026Conor McGregor Net WorthNEET UG Paper LeakWest Bengal Annapurna Yojana
NEW DELHI: Dismissing reports of any shortage, govt on Thursday asserted that there was no rationing of petrol and diesel anywhere in the country and attributed long queues at fuel pumps in some parts to bulk diesel consumers, such as industries, shifting to retail outlets due to a price gap of nearly Rs 42 a litre. Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in petroleum and natural gas ministry, said sales at retail pumps had risen with the onset of the kharif sowing season, while consumers buying from private outlets had shifted to PSU-owned pumps because of price differences in auto fuel. She said a 20-30% increase in sales had been observed at retail pumps in certain parts of the country. “The ministry has done an analysis…oil marketing companies are monitoring the situation. We have sufficient supplies of fuel, and all steps are being taken to maintain them,” Sharma said, while urging the public to avoid panic buying. The statement came amid reports of long queues at retail pumps in several parts of the country and complaints of some outlets rationing supplies. While high-speed diesel for bulk commercial and industrial consumers is sold at nearly Rs 134 per litre, it is available at about Rs 92 per litre at retail outlets, resulting in diversion. Speculation over a possible rise in fuel prices has also prompted additional purchases. The three state-owned OMCs – IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum – also assured consumers there was no shortage of fuel anywhere, though logistics were under pressure because of increased demand.
