The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has officially dismissed widespread social media rumors suggesting a potential shortage of ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 currency notes during the upcoming Diwali festive season. The central bank reassured the public that sufficient banknotes of all denominations are readily available in its vaults and currency chests across the country.
Viral Claims Debunked
A message, circulated extensively on platforms like WhatsApp, falsely claimed that the availability of these lower-denomination notes would be affected. This fabricated advisory, presented as an official RBI notice, caused concern among consumers and small businesses as Diwali approaches, a period when cash transactions typically surge.
The fake circular, purportedly dated October 27, 2026, and bearing a reference number “RBI/2026-27/124,” asserted that the RBI was gradually reducing the printing of ₹10, ₹20, and ₹50 notes to foster a less-cash economy and promote digital payments. It went on to advise individuals to withdraw or arrange cash in advance to avoid inconvenience during the festival.
RBI and PIB Clarify
Both the RBI and the Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit have unequivocally stated that these claims are false. The PIB Fact Check unit confirmed that no such announcement regarding a shortage of lower-denomination notes was ever made by the RBI.
The RBI issued a strong clarification via its official channels, including a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“It is clarified at the outset that sufficient notes of all denominations, including lower denominations, are available in the RBI vaults and currency chests, and the content of the forged circular is misleading.”
The central bank further emphasized that the notice was a forgery, misusing its name and logo, and falsely signed in the name of the Governor. It reiterated that it had not issued any advisory suggesting an unavailability or insufficient supply of ₹10, ₹20, or ₹50 notes before Diwali. The public has been urged to rely solely on information published by the RBI through its official website and verified social media handles.
Implications for Consumers
For households and shopkeepers, the RBI’s statement provides crucial assurance: there are no official supply constraints on small-denomination notes during the festive period. While cash demand typically rises for gifts, purchases, and local transactions during Diwali, the central bank confirms that banks and currency chests are expected to maintain normal note distribution.
The RBI advises the public to verify any claims through official sources before sharing them, combating the spread of misinformation. While overall supply is stable, customers planning unusually large cash withdrawals should still coordinate with their respective bank branches in advance, as localized branch-level availability can sometimes vary during peak festive demand.