A Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker, Nissos Keros, carrying approximately 270,000 metric tonnes of crude oil destined for India, has safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to dock at Visakhapatnam on 3 June, according to an official statement released on Friday, 29 May. The update comes as the Centre moves to reassure citizens about domestic fuel availability amid elevated global tensions in the region.

Refinery Operations and Crude Inventories

All oil refineries across India are currently operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories in place, the statement confirmed. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been ramped up to approximately 52 TMT per day to support household and commercial consumption. Over the last four days, roughly 1.80 crore LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of around 1.78 crore cylinders — indicating near-complete fulfilment of demand.

LPG Booking and Delivery Authentication

Online LPG cylinder bookings climbed to approximately 99 per cent on Thursday. Deliveries based on the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system — which uses registered mobile numbers to verify recipients — rose to around 96 per cent, a measure aimed at preventing diversion of subsidised cylinders. The government has urged LPG consumers to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors in person. Citizens have also been encouraged to switch to alternative fuels such as PNG (piped natural gas) and electric or induction cooktops where available.

Petrol and Diesel Supply: No Shortage

All petrol pumps are reported to be operating normally across the country. While unusually high sales and heavy crowding have been observed at retail outlets in certain areas — a pattern typically driven by public anxiety rather than actual scarcity — officials have confirmed that adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available nationwide. The Centre has specifically advised bulk and industrial consumers to procure diesel through authorised channels only, and has requested all citizens to conserve energy during the current period.

Centre Directs States on Enforcement

The Centre has directed state governments to monitor and review district-wise diesel and petrol offtake patterns and intensify inspection and enforcement activities in vulnerable areas, particularly along major transportation and industrial corridors. States have been asked to take prompt penal action against violators found procuring diesel through retail outlets illegally. This comes amid concerns that commercial and industrial consumers may be diverting retail fuel supplies during periods of heightened public demand.

Government Advisory to Citizens

Authorities have explicitly asked citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, stressing that supply lines remain intact. The public has been urged to rely only on official sources for information and to disregard rumours circulating about fuel shortages. As the Nissos Keros makes its way to Visakhapatnam, the government's messaging is clear: domestic energy security is being actively managed, and supply disruptions are not anticipated in the near term.