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Informist, Monday, May 11, 2026

 

--Govt: Panic buying was seen in fertiliser in initial days 

--CONTEXT: Government officials briefing media on West Asia war 

 

NEW DELHI – A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a public appeal to cut down on energy consumption, the government on Monday reiterated that it has sufficient stocks of petroleum products and urged people to avoid panic buying. "I assure you that we have sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel, and people should avoid panic buying," Petroleum Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said at an inter-ministerial press briefing here.

 

"However, it is a fact that our oil marketing companies are under financial strain due to the steep increase in crude oil prices. The prime minister's appeal should be seen in that context," Sharma said, adding that people should conserve energy to reduce financial strain on the country.

 

Asked if government ministries will also adopt austerity measures in line with the prime minister's appeal to conserve energy, Sharma said, "The ministries will work on it, and we will get back to you."

 

Addressing a rally on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi urged people to cut down on petrol and diesel use to help India conserve its forex reserves, which are being used to pay for imports. Modi urged people to use public transport, pool cars, and work from home to reduce commute.  

 

Fertilisers Additional Secretary Aparna Sharma said that the country has 51% stocks of the projected demand of fertilisers in the kharif season, which is higher than the stipulated 33%. "Around 9.7 million tonnes of fertiliser has been added to our stock since the crisis began," she said.

 

"The government has been promoting balanced use of fertilisers across the country. There has been some panic buying of fertilisers initially, but I will repeat that we have ample stocks. Also, more imports are in the pipeline and the domestic production is normal," the additional secretary said. End

 

Reported by Asim Khan

Edited by Saji George Titus

 

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