The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has dismissed as “fake” a viral social media claim alleging a sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices across India from May 1. The clarification came after a fabricated document, falsely presented as an official order from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, began circulating widely on social media platforms and messaging apps.
According to the viral message, petrol prices were supposedly set to rise by ₹10 per litre, while diesel prices would increase by ₹12.50 per litre. The fake notice also attempted to justify the alleged revision by claiming that oil marketing companies were facing heavy losses due to rising global crude oil prices. However, the government has categorically denied issuing any such order.
PIB Fact Check Calls Viral Order “Completely Fake”
In an official fact-check post shared on social media, the PIB Fact Check unit clarified that the document being circulated online is fabricated and misleading. The government stated that no decision has been taken regarding any increase in retail fuel prices from May 1.
The PIB also urged citizens not to rely on unverified social media posts and advised people to cross-check such claims only through official government platforms and credible news sources.
The fake notification reportedly carried references to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and mentioned incorrect figures about losses allegedly incurred by public sector oil companies. Officials confirmed that the contents of the document were entirely fabricated.
Government Reiterates No Proposal Under Consideration
The clarification follows several days of speculation surrounding a possible fuel price revision amid fluctuations in international crude oil markets. Earlier this week, officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas had already rejected reports suggesting a major hike in petrol and diesel prices.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that there is currently no proposal under consideration to increase fuel prices. The ministry described circulating reports and viral posts as “misleading” and intended to create unnecessary panic among consumers.
Rumours Spread Amid Global Oil Market Volatility
The misinformation gained traction at a time when global crude oil prices have witnessed volatility due to geopolitical tensions and supply concerns in international markets. Reports of disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and rising crude prices had triggered public speculation about a possible domestic fuel price increase in India.
Despite pressure on oil marketing companies, the government has maintained that retail fuel prices remain unchanged. Current petrol and diesel rates in major cities, including Delhi, have largely remained stable since previous revisions.
Fake Document Used Incorrect Financial Data
The forged order circulating online also included fabricated financial figures allegedly showing losses suffered by oil companies such as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. PIB clarified that these numbers were false and had no connection with official government data.
Fact-checkers noted that the formatting and language used in the viral document did not match standard government notifications, raising immediate doubts about its authenticity.
Government Urges Public To Verify Information
Authorities have once again appealed to the public to avoid sharing unverified claims related to fuel prices, taxation, banking, or public policy. PIB Fact Check regularly issues advisories against misinformation campaigns that spread through social media platforms.
Officials said any genuine revision in petrol or diesel prices would be officially communicated through authorised government channels, oil marketing companies, and formal notifications.
Fuel Pricing Remains a Sensitive Public Issue
Fuel prices continue to remain a politically and economically sensitive subject in India, as petrol and diesel costs directly affect transportation expenses, inflation, and household budgets. As a result, rumours related to fuel pricing often spread rapidly online, especially during periods of global market uncertainty.
The latest clarification from PIB aims to prevent panic buying and misinformation while reassuring consumers that no sudden fuel price hike has been approved by the government.
Conclusion
The Government of India has officially denied viral claims suggesting that petrol and diesel prices will increase from May 1. PIB Fact Check has confirmed that the circulating order is fake and that no such proposal has been approved by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Citizens are advised to rely only on official announcements and verified information sources for updates related to fuel prices and government policies.
Image generated using AI
Edited by Madhusudhan Reddy
Last Updated on: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 6:25 pm by News Proton Team | Published by: News Proton Team on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 6:25 pm | News Categories: Automobile, Trending