March 25, 2026
Long queues formed at petrol stations across India on Wednesday as motorists rushed to fill tanks amid growing anxiety over fuel supplies tied to the war involving Iran. Reports of panic buying came from major cities in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Police were deployed in some places, including parts of Gujarat, to manage crowds.
The spike in demand was prompted by concerns that the conflict could push up crude prices and disrupt shipments. The Strait of Hormuz — a key maritime route through which a substantial share of India’s oil and gas imports transits — has seen traffic sharply reduced, reportedly by as much as 90%, heightening worries about future deliveries. India depends on the route for about 40% or more of its crude imports.
Authorities moved quickly to calm the public. The government said there are adequate nationwide stocks of petrol, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and urged people not to act on rumours of shortages. Sujata Sharma, a senior petroleum ministry official, said field checks indicated petrol pumps were operating normally and distribution points had sufficient fuel.
New Delhi has activated contingency measures and engaged with Tehran to try to secure safe passage for Indian vessels. Officials said two Indian-flagged tankers carrying LPG reportedly transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday and were expected to dock in India in the coming days.
Analysts cautioned that while immediate domestic supplies appear stable, prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could raise costs and complicate logistics over time, potentially affecting availability if the conflict endures. For now, officials say they are monitoring shipments closely and managing strategic stocks and supply chains to prevent shortages and reassure consumers.