Rajasthan fuel supply stable: No petrol, diesel shortage, public told
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Public sector oil marketing companies — Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) — are maintaining an uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel across Rajasthan, state officials confirmed on Tuesday, 19 May. The Department of Food and Civil Supplies has urged residents to avoid panic buying, asserting that petroleum reserves in the state remain sufficient.
Current Fuel Availability
According to the department, adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at fuel stations across all districts of Rajasthan. The supply chain has been continuously reinforced to keep pace with rising consumer demand. Oil company representatives confirmed that the supply mechanism remains fully operational with no disruptions anticipated.
Price Gap Driving Shift to Public Sector Pumps
Ambrish Kumar, Secretary of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, noted that the retail price of petrol at government-owned outlets stands at around ₹94 per litre, while Nayara-operated outlets charge approximately ₹97 per litre. This price differential has led consumers to increasingly prefer public sector fuel stations, adding pressure at select locations.
Kumar further noted that institutional diesel is currently priced at nearly ₹160 per litre, prompting industries and wholesale buyers to shift towards retail pumps as well. Despite this additional load, oil companies are prioritising retail consumer needs and ensuring regular replenishment.
Demand Surge: Sales Data by Company
Fuel demand across Rajasthan has risen sharply compared to the previous year, according to data shared by the oil companies. Indian Oil Corporation Limited recorded a 28% rise in petrol sales and a 43% increase in diesel sales in Rajasthan — well above its national growth rates of 20.2% and 20.8% respectively.
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited reported a 13.7% increase in petrol sales and a 16.8% rise in diesel sales. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited registered a 24% jump in petrol sales and over 30% growth in diesel sales. The across-the-board surge reflects both genuine demand growth and a consumer shift away from private-sector pumps driven by the pricing gap.
Government Appeal to Consumers
Secretary Ambrish Kumar appealed directly to consumers to maintain normal purchasing patterns and avoid unnecessary hoarding based on rumours. He assured that petrol and diesel availability across Rajasthan will continue without disruption and that the state government is closely monitoring the supply situation. This comes amid a broader national context where fuel demand has accelerated post-pandemic, placing periodic pressure on distribution networks in high-consumption states.