Amid escalating tensions in West Asia and disruptions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Centre on Friday reassured citizens about the availability of fuel and LPG, urging them not to engage in panic buying or fall prey to rumours.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), after reviewing the situation with States and Union Territories, said that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are being maintained across the country. Authorities emphasized that retail outlets are functioning normally and there is no shortage of fuel.
The government has advised citizens to rely only on official sources for information and to avoid unnecessary booking of LPG cylinders. Consumers have also been encouraged to adopt alternative cooking fuels such as piped natural gas (PNG), induction and electric appliances wherever feasible, and to conserve energy.
Supply Measures Intensified
To ensure uninterrupted supply, the Centre has increased refinery output and implemented demand-side measures, including extending LPG booking intervals and prioritising domestic and essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
States have been directed to prioritise LPG distribution, particularly for households, and to act strictly against hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act. Over 4,000 enforcement raids have been conducted, leading to the seizure of more than 1,300 LPG cylinders in a single day.
The government has also ramped up monitoring systems, with oil marketing companies issuing over 670 show-cause notices to LPG distributors. Digital booking of LPG has surged, accounting for 94 per cent of total bookings, while delivery authentication systems have been strengthened to curb diversion.
Commercial LPG and Alternative Fuel Push
Commercial LPG supply has been gradually restored to 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, with priority given to critical sectors such as restaurants, food processing units and industrial users. Sales of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders have crossed five lakh since March 23, indicating strong uptake, particularly among migrant workers.
To ease pressure on LPG demand, the government has expanded access to alternative fuels, including kerosene and coal. Additional kerosene allocations have been made, and states have been asked to expedite distribution.
PNG Expansion Accelerated
The government has accelerated the expansion of PNG infrastructure as a long-term solution. Since March 2026, over 3.42 lakh PNG connections have been activated and more than 3.7 lakh new registrations recorded.
City Gas Distribution companies have been directed to prioritise connections for commercial establishments and community kitchens. Special policy measures and fast-track approvals have been introduced to expand pipeline networks and improve last-mile connectivity.
Stable Fuel Prices, Government Absorbing Costs
Despite a sharp rise in global crude oil prices, retail fuel prices in India remain unchanged. The government has reduced excise duties by ₹10 per litre on petrol and diesel to shield consumers, even as public sector oil companies face under-recoveries.
Export levies have also been imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure adequate domestic availability.
Maritime Operations and Seafarer Safety
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said maritime operations remain stable, with no congestion reported at Indian ports. Over 1,130 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far, including 155 in the last 24 hours.
The Ministry continues to monitor vessels in the Persian Gulf region, while a 24×7 control room has handled thousands of calls and emails to assist seafarers and their families.
Assistance to Indians in Gulf Region
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian missions across West Asia are operating round-the-clock helplines and providing assistance to nationals, including students and workers.
With partial reopening of airspace in some regions, flight operations are gradually improving. Since February 28, around 6.49 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India.
Special travel arrangements are being made for Indians stranded in countries affected by airspace closures, including transit through neighbouring nations such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Government Monitoring Situation Closely
The government reiterated that it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia and remains committed to ensuring energy security, maintaining supply chains and safeguarding Indian nationals abroad.
Citizens have once again been urged to remain calm, conserve fuel and avoid spreading or acting on unverified information.
