New Delhi: A purported government order claiming a steep increase in petrol and diesel prices has been widely circulated on social media, prompting concern among citizens. The Press Information Bureau has categorically debunked the claim, stating that the document is fabricated and no such order has been issued by the Government of India.
PIB Fact Check tweets, "An order circulating on social media claims to be issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stating that petrol and diesel prices have been increased by ₹10 and ₹12.50, respectively. The Government of India has NOT issued any such Order.… pic.twitter.com/Rms18i3imO
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2026
What the viral FAKE claim says
- Petrol prices have been increased by Rs 10 per litre – FAKE
- Diesel prices have been increased by Rs 12.50 per litre – FAKE
The document, designed to resemble an official notification from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, claims that petrol prices have been increased by Rs 10 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 12.50 per litre. Its format and language mimic a government circular, which has contributed to its credibility among unsuspecting users and enabled its rapid spread online.
PIB debunks the claim
The PIB Fact Check unit issued a clear rebuttal, stating that the order is fake and that the Government of India has not issued any such directive. It urged citizens to verify such claims only through official sources before sharing them further.
To curb misinformation, PIB has also provided public channels for verification and reporting, including its:
1. Official social media handle (@PIBFactCheck) on X,
2. A WhatsApp helpline at +91 8799711259, and
3. And email support at factcheck@pib.gov.in.
Ministry calls reports “mischievous and misleading”
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas separately dismissed the reports of a fuel price hike, describing them as “mischievous and misleading.” It clarified that there is no proposal under consideration to increase petrol or diesel prices and warned that such claims are designed to create fear and panic among citizens.
Government highlights price stability
The government emphasised that India has maintained relative stability in fuel prices despite volatility in global crude oil markets. Officials noted that a series of fiscal and policy interventions have been undertaken to shield consumers from sharp international price fluctuations, ensuring that domestic prices remain insulated from global shocks.
A recurring misinformation pattern
The circulation of fabricated documents styled as official orders is a recurring tactic in spreading misinformation, particularly around sensitive economic issues such as fuel pricing. Given the everyday impact of petrol and diesel prices, such claims tend to gain traction quickly and can create unnecessary anxiety if left unverified.
The truth
There has been no announcement of any fuel price hike, and the viral order is entirely fake. The Government of India has issued no such notification, and citizens are advised to rely only on official sources for accurate information.
