IOCL urges calm as fuel panic buying begins amid India-Pakistan tensions

As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, the Indian Oil Corporation Limited ( IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) on Friday issued a public advisory urging citizens to avoid panic buying of fuel and LPG, assuring that stocks are ample and supply lines are fully functional.

“There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets,” IOCL said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). It added, “Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our supply lines running seamlessly and ensure uninterrupted fuel access for all.”

Meanwhile, BPCL said, "All BPCL fuel stations and LPG distributorships, across its nationwide network are operating smoothly and are fully equipped to meet the energy needs of consumers."

The advisory comes amid fears of supply disruption following cross-border hostilities.

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#IndianOil has ample fuel stocks across the country and our supply lines are operating smoothly.

There is no need for panic buying—fuel and LPG is readily available at all our outlets.

Help us serve you better by staying calm and avoiding unnecessary rush. This will keep our…

— Indian Oil Corp Ltd (@IndianOilcl) May 9, 2025

Operation Sindoor

Tensions reached new heights following India’s precision missile strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’, launched early Wednesday. The operation targeted nine terror bases deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke. The strikes were a direct retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 civilian lives two weeks ago.

Also Read: India-Pakistan: Tensions surge as Pakistan targets Jammu; India activates air defences; What we know so far

Following the Indian strikes, Pakistan retaliated on the night of May 7 by attempting to target military installations across Northern and Western India using drones and missiles. The intended targets included critical locations such as Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Chandigarh, Bhatinda, Bhuj, and more.

However, the Indian military’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence systems successfully intercepted and neutralised the incoming threats. Debris from the neutralised drones and missiles is being recovered from multiple locations, reinforcing evidence of Pakistan’s offensive.