PIB Fact Check Debunks Viral Claim Of Sunday Petrol Pump Closure In Indian States

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check unit has dismissed viral social media claims alleging that petrol pumps would remain shut every Sunday in several Indian states following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation.

The misleading posts circulated widely across platforms and triggered confusion among consumers.

The viral message claimed that fuel stations in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Maharashtra and Haryana would suspend operations on Sundays.

Official sources, however, clarified that no such policy decision had been announced by either the Central government or state authorities.

Prime Minister Modi recently urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption amid rising global energy prices linked to escalating tensions in West Asia. He encouraged measures such as carpooling, greater use of public transport, work-from-home arrangements and adoption of electric vehicles to minimise fuel usage and conserve resources.

The Prime Minister, however, did not refer to shutting petrol pumps on Sundays.

PIB Fact Check stated that the circulating graphic falsely represented an alleged dealer committee recommendation as an official government directive.

Authorities confirmed that fuel stations across the mentioned states will continue operating normally without any weekly shutdown restrictions.

Officials also advised citizens to avoid sharing unverified social media content and rely only on authentic government notifications for policy-related updates.

The clarification came amid increasing concern over misinformation related to fuel supply and energy conservation measures.

PIB further urged users to verify sensitive claims through official channels before forwarding them online.

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