Bengaluru, Apr 23 (PTI) Fuel supplies in Karnataka remain stable and fully under control despite recent global uncertainties, an IOCL official said on Wednesday, while cautioning against panic buying and misinformation.
Addressing a press conference, Siddharth Agarwal, State Level Coordinator for Petroleum and Natural Gas, said the state’s extensive supply network and coordinated efforts between oil companies and governments have ensured uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.
In view of the conflict in West Asia, Agarwal along with other officials of the Public Sector Oil Companies sought to address concerns.
Agarwal, who is Executive Director and Karnataka head of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), outlined that Karnataka is supported by a strong petroleum ecosystem comprising a refinery of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, 10 terminals, and 10 bulk depots, along with a wide retail network of over 7,500 fuel stations operated by public sector firms such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, besides private players.
“I would like to categorically assure every citizen of Karnataka that fuel supply in the state remains stable, robust, and fully under control. There is no shortage of petrol or diesel anywhere in Karnataka,” he said.
On LPG availability, Agarwal said the state’s network of 1,279 distributors and 12 bottling plants has ensured continuous supply, although panic booking in March temporarily disrupted delivery timelines.
“Bookings increased sharply, primarily due to panic booking by customers who in fact were not requiring it immediately,” he said.
The IOCL officer said that deliveries, which had stretched beyond 10 days in some places, are now returning to normal with bookings stabilising at around three lakh per day.
He said daily LPG supply has been maintained at over three lakh cylinders, supported by improved digital systems and authentication mechanisms to prevent leakages.
Highlighting targeted measures, he said the government is promoting five-kg free-trade LPG cylinders for low-income and migrant households.
“The demand has seen a sharp increase indicating growing acceptance as well as accessibility,” he noted.
Agarwal explained that over 200 distribution camps have been conducted and no address proof is required to obtain these cylinders.
On commercial LPG, he said priority was initially given to essential services such as hospitals and transport hubs, but supply is now being gradually restored across sectors following government directives issued in March.
Addressing concerns over Auto LPG shortages, Agarwal said the issue stemmed from disruptions in private sector outlets.
“PSU oil marketing companies have increased dispatches to more than 106 metric tonnes per day, almost doubling our supplies,” he said, while acknowledging long queues at public sector outlets due to shifting demand.
He clarified that PSU-operated Auto LPG stations, numbering 67 across the state, have maintained stable pricing at around Rs 90 per litre, while private operators are free to fix their own rates.
Regarding enforcement, Agarwal said authorities have intensified action against black marketing and diversion.
“More than 3,735 inspections and raids resulted in seizure of 1,840 LPG cylinders and registration of 35 FIRs,” he said, urging consumers not to purchase fuel illegally.
He stressed that misinformation had contributed to panic in certain areas but the situation has since stabilised.
“There is absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in Karnataka citizens should rely on official communication channels and avoid rumours,” he said.
Agarwal said the state has also activated helplines and is conducting regular review meetings to monitor supply conditions.
Responding to queries, Agarwal said LPG cylinders are delivered directly to homes and crowds at showrooms are usually for service-related issues.
“If any such issue arises, we immediately augment supply,” he added.
On black marketing concerns in Bengaluru, he said awareness campaigns and availability of smaller cylinders are key to curbing the practice.
Meanwhile, officials also highlighted the growing natural gas network in Karnataka, with multiple pipelines and expanding city gas distribution.
Over 5.8 lakh domestic PNG connections and rising registrations reflect increasing demand, they said.
Reiterating the government’s position, Agarwal said, “Supply is stable and we remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted energy access to every citizen of the state.”