Delhi , India : In Delhi, government officials addressed growing concerns around fuel availability, pricing, and its wider impact on both households and industries, offering reassurance while outlining key measures being taken to maintain stability.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, highlighted that several proactive steps have been implemented to ensure that essential fuels such as petrol, diesel, and LPG remain available within the domestic market. She stated that an export levy has been imposed specifically to prioritize domestic availability of Aviation Turbine Fuel and diesel, ensuring that supply within the country is not affected by external demand.
She assured that the country currently has adequate reserves of petrol and diesel, emphasizing that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding availability. Alongside this, she made a direct appeal to citizens to avoid panic buying, noting that such behavior can create unnecessary pressure on the supply system.
Addressing LPG usage and supply, she pointed out that India continues to rely significantly on imports, with nearly sixty percent of LPG being sourced from outside the country. Despite this dependency and global challenges, she confirmed that there has been no increase in the price of LPG cylinders for domestic consumers.
She explained that maintaining stable prices despite rising costs has led to financial under recoveries for Oil Marketing Companies, which are being supported by the government. To manage these losses, financial assistance has been extended in the past and continues to be planned for the future. A substantial amount was allocated during the 2022 to 23 fiscal year, and further support has been approved for the 2025 to 26 fiscal year to ensure that companies can sustain operations without passing the burden on consumers.
In addition to fuel supply, efforts have also been made to expand access to cleaner energy sources. The government has taken significant steps to grow the PNG network, resulting in the addition of over three lakh connections in a single month. This expansion reflects a broader push toward strengthening infrastructure and improving accessibility for households.
At the same time, the aviation sector has also been closely monitored due to its dependence on fuel pricing. Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, explained that airlines operate on their own financial strategies, but there are systems in place to monitor airfare trends and prevent unreasonable surges.
He noted that Aviation Turbine Fuel constitutes a significant portion of airline operational costs, accounting for nearly forty percent. Without the current measures in place, fuel prices could have seen a drastic rise, potentially doubling and placing a heavy burden on the aviation industry.
He emphasized that the aviation market in India is highly price sensitive, where even a slight increase in fares can shift consumer preference toward other modes of transport. This makes it essential to maintain a balance between operational costs and affordable pricing for passengers.
He further added that regulatory mechanisms are actively used to monitor fare fluctuations, and intervention is carried out whenever abnormal increases are observed. This ensures that pricing remains fair and does not disproportionately affect travelers.
Overall, the developments reflect a coordinated effort to manage fuel supply and pricing across sectors while protecting consumers from sudden financial strain. By maintaining steady supplies, supporting key industries, and encouraging responsible consumption, the focus remains on ensuring stability during a time when fuel dynamics continue to influence both the economy and daily life.
