The Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has dismissed reports of an imminent petrol and diesel price hike as fake news [1, 2].
Fuel pricing is a volatile political issue in India, where sudden increases can trigger widespread public unrest and inflation across the transport sector. The government's quick denial aims to stabilize the market and prevent consumer panic following recent state elections [1, 6].
On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the ministry addressed circulating reports that suggested fuel costs would rise significantly [2, 4]. Specifically, some reports speculated an increase of ₹25-28 per litre for both petrol and diesel [3]. The government said there is no such proposal under consideration [2].
"These reports are fake and mischievous and aimed at creating unnecessary panic among the public," a Ministry spokesperson said [1].
The ministry further clarified its position through a post on X, the social media platform. "The government is not considering any increase in fuel prices at this time," the Ministry said [3].
Officials said that the claims were misleading and lacked any factual basis in current policy planning [1]. The government's intervention follows a pattern of addressing misinformation that typically surfaces during sensitive political windows, such as the period immediately following assembly polls [4, 5].
"There is no such proposal under consideration," the ministry said in a formal statement [2].
“"These reports are fake and mischievous and aimed at creating unnecessary panic among the public,"”
This denial serves as a strategic move to maintain social stability and political capital after state elections. By explicitly labeling the speculated ₹25-28 price hike as 'mischievous,' the ministry is attempting to curb the spread of disinformation that could lead to panic buying or protests, while signaling that fuel price stability remains a priority for the current administration.
