New Delhi: The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing ceasefire has eased fuel related anxiety in India, following weeks of heightened concern triggered by tensions in the Middle East. The strategic route, critical for global oil supply, had been at the centre of uncertainty, prompting precautionary behaviour across the country.
During the peak of the crisis in March, long queues were reported at petrol pumps in several cities as consumers rushed to secure fuel. Many motorists filled tanks in advance, while fuel stations experienced unusually high demand, reflecting fears of potential shortages and price increases.
Official data indicates a sharp rise in consumption during this period. Diesel demand surged to 8.72 million tonnes in March, up significantly from 7.66 million tonnes in February. Petrol consumption also climbed to 3.77 million tonnes, marking one of the highest levels recorded in recent months. The spike aligned closely with escalating geopolitical tensions, suggesting that the increase was largely driven by precautionary buying rather than routine usage.
In contrast, consumption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas showed a decline, dropping to 2.38 million tonnes despite visible public concern. The dip is believed to be linked to rising commercial LPG prices, which may have led businesses such as restaurants and small eateries to cut back usage. Households may also have moderated consumption in response to higher costs.
Public sentiment during the period was also reflected online. Data from Google Trends revealed a sharp increase in searches related to petrol, peaking in late March as concerns intensified. Interest in LPG spiked earlier but declined quickly, while searches for alternatives like induction cooking rose, indicating shifts in household planning.
Regional patterns showed that northern and eastern states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi, recorded the highest levels of online concern, while southern regions remained comparatively stable.
The combined data highlights how global conflict translated into tangible effects on daily life in India, influencing both consumption habits and public behaviour.
