State-owned oil major Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has categorically denied social media claims of fuel shortage in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district. According to reports from HPCL, the company described viral posts showing 'No Petrol' and 'No Diesel' boards at fuel stations as 'false and misleading'. The clarification came after images and messages circulating online claimed that pumps in Nandurbar — a tribal-majority district in north Maharashtra bordering Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh — had run out of fuel. In a post on X amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, HPCL termed the reports 'misleading' and said they do not reflect the actual situation, emphasizing that fuel supply at HPCL's retail outlets is completely normal, with regular replenishment and uninterrupted operations being ensured.
HPCL provided concrete evidence to support its claims, stating that all 87 of its retail outlets in Nandurbar are operational and serving customers without disruption. As reported by HPCL, the company released sales data showing strong demand patterns that contradict shortage claims. Petrol sales in the district stood at 5,254 kilolitres against a historical average of 4,539 kilolitres — a growth of 15.8 per cent. Diesel sales were even stronger at 15,656 kilolitres compared to the historical average of 12,933 kilolitres, registering a growth of 21.1 per cent. The company stated that higher-than-normal sales are being recorded at some outlets, however, adequate stock is available, and the supply system is functioning smoothly.
The company attributed the temporary rise in customer footfall and queues at some outlets to seasonal demand during May, rather than any actual shortage. According to HPCL's statement, the above figures clearly indicate stable fuel availability and smooth functioning of the supply network across the district. The company also noted that customers are shifting to HPCL pumps because of relatively higher prices at some private retail outlets, contributing to the increased demand. HPCL urged consumers not to indulge in panic buying and advised them to rely only on official sources for accurate information, reiterating its commitment to uninterrupted fuel supply and seamless customer service.
