As tensions escalate in West Asia, social media has seen a surge of posts warning of potential shortages of LPG and fuel supplies. Several of these claims have been amplified by Congress sympathisers.
Foremost among those is Sumanth Raman – the all-in-all commentator who is an arm-chair expert on everything under the sun.
On 9 March 2026, news of hotels and restaurants across Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai reportedly staring down forced shutdowns as a severe commercial LPG shortage (triggered by the ongoing Iran-Israel war disrupting Middle Eastern shipping routes) started circulating in media. They stated that the situation had choked supply chains across India’s major cities. Distributors reported near-total supply failures, with Bengaluru hotels receiving as little as 10% of their usual cylinders before deliveries stopped altogether, while Mumbai’s hospitality associations warning that every restaurant in the city could be dark within 48 hours if the crisis is not resolved.
Chennai’s hoteliers, representing over 10,000 establishments, have written directly to the Prime Minister flagging cascading consequences for hospitals, college hostels, and railway catering.
Hotels and restaurants in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai warn of possible shutdowns over the next 72 hours as many say they are unable to procure commercial LPG refills. Distributors reportedly citing supply issues.
If shutdowns happen, what about thousands of employees, state…
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) March 9, 2026
Taking this as an opportunity to deride the central government, Sumanth Raman began fear mongering. On his X handle, he wrote, “A similar crisis could happen with petrol and diesel in a few days. Guess people simply need to take precautions themselves. Companies can announce WFH and industry can start of thinking of all possible ways to save fuel. The Modi Govt has proved particularly inept at handling any crisis in the past and so to expect it to be different this time is to deceive ourselves.”
Looks like he had not read the news when he woke up on the morning of 10 March 2026.
The central government had announced on 9 March 2026 by late evening that there was no shortage as of that day and prices would not be hiked.
Government sources told ANI that there is currently no cause for concern regarding fuel availability in India despite rising tensions in West Asia. According to the sources, petrol and diesel prices are unlikely to increase in the near term as the country has adequate fuel stocks. They indicated that retail prices would remain stable unless global crude oil prices cross approximately USD 130 per barrel, adding that crude is currently expected to remain around the USD 100 per barrel range.
Officials also said there is no shortage of petrol or diesel at fuel stations across the country. Sources further noted that India has accelerated crude oil sourcing from routes outside the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate potential disruptions.
On aviation fuel, government sources stated that the country has sufficient stocks of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). They added that India is not only a producer but also an exporter of ATF, and therefore there is no need for panic regarding aviation fuel availability. Officials also indicated that India is relatively better positioned compared to several other countries and that some nations have approached India to assess the supply situation.
Govt Sources say –
* Petrol and Diesel prices are unlikely to increase as we have enough stock. Unless crude oil prices breach USD 130, petrol-diesel prices are unlikely to increase. We expect crude oil prices to be around $100 per barrel.
* No problem of shortage of petrol… pic.twitter.com/PGo8SB4wFl
— ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2026
It is noteworthy to remember that even in a crisis like COVID-19, India fared really well compared to its Western counterparts and people across the globe praised our country for handling the pandemic efficiently despite our massive population.
For the likes of Sumanth Raman who wanted Jacinda Ardern to rule over India during COVID-19, the instinct appears to remain the same: when uncertainty emerges, assume the worst about the Indian state and amplify panic before facts have even settled.
In moments that require restraint and responsible commentary, such alarmism risks doing little more than fuel anxiety among the public. When government data, supply figures and official statements clearly indicate that fuel stocks are stable and contingency planning is underway, turning speculation into certainty becomes less analysis and more theatrics.
In the end, the pattern is familiar. A rumour appears, a crisis narrative is constructed, and the government is declared incompetent before the situation is even verified. When the facts arrive later, the panic rarely receives the same amplification as the prediction.
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