FACT CHECK: Did Centre hike petrol, diesel prices by Rs 10-12 amid Gulf tensions?

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) pointed out on Wednesday that an order claiming an increase in petrol and diesel prices amid tensions in the Gulf, which are nearing two months, was circulating on social media.

The order had claimed that petrol prices were to increase by Rs 10, while diesel prices were to increase by Rs 12.50.

However, the fact-checking arm of the Centre, PIB Fact Check, flagged the order as false, saying that there was no such price increase officially announced by the Centre.

"An order circulating on social media claims to be issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stating that petrol and diesel prices have been increased by Rs 10 and Rs 12.50, respectively," it wrote in a post on X.

"This order is #FAKE. The Government of India has NOT issued any such Order," it added.

This is part of a number of petrol-related false claims that have been spreading on social media since the start of the war in the Gulf.

Back on March 28, for example, PIB Fact Check had flagged the claim that India allegedly only had "5-10 days of oil reserves left".

"India maintains a total reserve capacity of approximately 74 days, with the current stock cover at around 60 days. This includes crude oil, petroleum products, and strategic reserves stored in underground caverns, ensuring nearly two months of assured fuel availability nationwide," it had said in another X post, assuring citizens not to panic because there was no shortage of any fuel.

Other such claims about fuel shortages even urged people to hoard petrol and diesel, which the Centre has repeately said contributes to panic buying, that it has sought to curb.