The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured citizens that India has sufficient petroleum reserves and there is no immediate shortage of fuel despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
At the same time, the government stressed the importance of strategic planning, fuel conservation, and coordinated preparedness to deal with possible long-term global disruptions.
High-Level Ministerial Meeting Held in New Delhi
The statement came after the fifth meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) held in New Delhi. The meeting reviewed the rapidly changing situation in West Asia and discussed measures to protect India’s energy security and minimise domestic disruptions.
The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by senior Union ministers, including:
- Hardeep Singh Puri
- Jagat Prakash Nadda
- Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Kiren Rijiju
- Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu
- Sarbananda Sonowal
- Jitendra Singh
India Has Strong Fuel and Foreign Exchange Reserves
According to the Ministry of Defence, the ministers were informed that India remains secure in terms of fuel availability even as several countries across the world have adopted emergency measures to reduce domestic energy consumption.
“The IGoM was informed that the country is secure, and there is no shortage of any petroleum product, even as most other nations have taken emergency measures to dramatically reduce domestic consumption. India has 60 days of crude oil, 60 days of Natural Gas and 45 days of LPG rolling stock. The foreign exchange reserves stand at a comfortable $703 billion,” the ministry said.
India Facing Pressure From Rising Global Oil Prices
The government highlighted that India is currently the world’s third-largest oil refiner and the fourth-largest exporter of petroleum products. India supplies fuel to more than 150 countries while also fully meeting domestic demand.
However, the government warned that rising international crude oil prices are creating significant financial pressure.
According to officials, oil marketing companies are currently absorbing losses of nearly Rs 1,000 crore every day. Under-recoveries in the first quarter of FY26 are estimated to be close to Rs 2 lakh crore.
PM Modi’s Conservation Appeal Explained
The government said Prime Minister Modi’s recent appeal for responsible fuel usage was aimed at reducing unnecessary consumption and lowering the financial burden on the country.
“Fuel conservation can ease this burden. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s appeal to the people for collective participation to help the country deal with global economic disruptions, supply chain challenges and rising prices caused by international conflicts has, thus, emphasised prudence in usage of petroleum products and reducing wasteful consumption, so that the fiscal burden on the nation is reduced in the present and into the future,” the statement said.
The government further clarified that citizens should not panic or rush to fuel stations.
“India is among the few countries where petroleum prices have held steady through this period of global volatility even after more than 70 days since the conflict started. In many nations, prices have increased by 30 to 70 per cent. However, India’s oil marketing companies have absorbed losses of close to Rs 1,000 crore a day, with under-recoveries running to nearly Rs 2 lakh crore in Q1 ’26 so that the burden of global astronomical prices is not passed to the Indian citizens. There is no reason for anxiety, and no reason for any citizens to rush to retail outlets,” the statement added.
Government Says Essential Commodity Supplies Remain Stable
The ministers were also informed that India currently has enough essential commodities and supply management systems are functioning smoothly.
“The ministers were informed that there is a surplus amount of essential commodities for the people and the present conservation is intended towards long-run capacity building if the crisis prolongs. The supply management has been good, and the people need not panic or resort to over purchase of fuel & other products,” the statement read.
Rajnath Singh Calls for Fuel Efficiency and Renewable Energy
During the meeting, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh instructed ministries and state governments to work together on fuel-saving measures and public awareness campaigns.
He also stressed the need to expand renewable energy infrastructure, diversify energy sources, and strengthen strategic reserves to reduce future risks.
“Ministries and States must identify, in a coordinated manner, measures to institutionalise fuel efficiency, public awareness, and responsible consumption behaviour,” Singh said.
Rajnath Singh Urges Citizens to Stay Calm
After the meeting, Rajnath Singh shared a message on X and assured people that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods.
“The Government under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi has been doing commendable work in ensuring supplies of all essential commodities. I urge the people to remain calm and avoid any kind of panic as the government is taking concrete steps to prevent shortages or disruptions in supply chains,” he said.
He also described PM Modi’s appeal for public participation as an important step towards self-reliance and long-term energy security.
“It is PM’s broader message about conservation during a difficult global period,” he added.
The 5th meeting of IGoM was held today to review the existing risks to energy supply chains and domestic availability of essential commodities in the wake of the conflict in West Asia.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) May 11, 2026
The Government under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi has been doing commendable work… pic.twitter.com/L6OG25VJk2
Government Emphasises Long-Term Crisis Preparedness
The meeting concluded with a broader discussion on the West Asia crisis and its possible global impact.
Rajnath Singh stressed the importance of “strategic crisis anticipation, early warning systems, scenario planning and whole-of-government preparedness” to handle future international disruptions in an increasingly interconnected world.