Amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, the Centre has intensified its preparedness measures to ensure stability across key sectors, including energy supply, maritime operations, and the safety of Indian nationals abroad.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday said that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available across the country, urging citizens not to fall prey to rumours that had triggered panic buying in some areas.
Fuel Supply Remains Stable
The Ministry said all refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude reserves, while retail fuel outlets are functioning normally nationwide. Measures such as a reduction in excise duty on petrol and diesel and the imposition of export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel have been introduced to ensure domestic availability.
The Ministry emphasised that panic buying witnessed in certain regions was driven by misinformation, reiterating that supplies remain steady and there is no shortage of fuel.
Gas and Fertiliser Supply Maintained
In the natural gas sector, priority supply is being ensured for domestic PNG users and CNG transport. Supply to urea plants has stabilised at around 70–75% of the recent average, with additional LNG and regasified LNG being sourced to maintain operations.
The government is also accelerating the expansion of the City Gas Distribution (CGD) network, with more than 2.9 lakh new gas connections provided in March alone across domestic and commercial categories.
LPG Supply and Allocation Measures
While LPG supplies have been impacted by global disruptions, authorities said there are no reports of shortages at distributorships. Domestic LPG deliveries continue as normal, with over 55 lakh refills delivered in a single day.
To manage demand, the government has gradually increased commercial LPG allocation to up to 70% of pre-crisis levels, prioritising key sectors such as hospitality, food processing, and critical industries.
Additional measures, including increased use of delivery authentication systems and higher allocation of kerosene, have been implemented to prevent diversion and ensure equitable distribution.
Crackdown on Hoarding and Misinformation
Enforcement agencies have intensified action against hoarding and black marketing, conducting around 2,900 raids and seizing approximately 1,000 LPG cylinders in a single day. Oil marketing companies have also carried out inspections at over 1,200 fuel outlets and LPG distributorships.
State governments have been directed to conduct daily briefings, set up control rooms, and actively counter misinformation through official channels.
Maritime Operations and Shipping Continue Normally
Despite disruptions in the region, maritime operations remain stable. Authorities confirmed that two LPG carriers carrying about 94,000 metric tonnes of cargo have safely transited the region and are heading towards Indian ports.
All Indian seafarers in the region are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Port operations across the country continue without congestion, ensuring smooth cargo movement.
Focus on Indian Nationals Abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation, with the safety and welfare of Indians in the region as the top priority. Indian missions are operating 24×7 helplines and providing assistance to seafarers, students, and other nationals.
Since late February, over 5.24 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region through regular and special flight operations. Alternative travel routes are being arranged for countries where airspace restrictions remain in place.
Public Advisory
The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying, rely only on official information, and adopt energy conservation practices. People have also been encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooking solutions wherever possible.
