The Centre on Wednesday said fuel supplies, pharmaceutical production and maritime operations remain stable despite disruptions linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis, while confirming that over 2,170 Indian nationals have been moved out of Iran to neighbouring countries for onward travel to India.
The updates were shared during an inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre involving officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Information and Broadcasting, along with representatives of the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
Officials said the government has adopted a coordinated approach to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential inputs for the pharmaceutical industry and maintain fuel availability across the country.
Drug Prices Stable Despite Supply Disruptions
The Department of Pharmaceuticals said global supply chain disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis have affected the availability of certain solvents and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). However, there has been no major increase in the sale prices of medicines in India.
To support domestic manufacturing, the government has reduced customs duty to zero on 40 petrochemical products through a notification issued on April 1. The move is aimed at ensuring continued production of essential medicines.
Key solvents such as propylene, ammonia and methanol – critical inputs in pharmaceutical manufacturing – are being supplied through coordinated efforts involving petroleum, chemical and fertilizer sectors.
Propylene, which is used to manufacture Isopropyl Alcohol and intermediates for drugs such as Ibuprofen, is being supplied primarily from refineries operated by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited in Kochi and Mumbai.
Methanol supply concerns have also been addressed after production units of Assam Petrochemicals Limited and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals agreed to supply adequate quantities.
Fuel Supply Remains Stable
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said retail fuel supply across India remains normal despite global market volatility.
To shield consumers from rising crude prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre. Retail prices at fuel stations have not been increased.
Domestic LPG distribution also remains stable. On April 8 alone, more than 51.5 lakh LPG cylinders were delivered across the country. Deliveries using Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) verification have risen to around 92 percent to curb diversion.
Sales of 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have also increased sharply, with over 1.06 lakh cylinders sold on April 8 compared to a daily average of 77,000 in February.
Authorities have also reported that more than 18,000 households using piped natural gas have voluntarily surrendered their LPG connections through the MYPNGD.in platform.
The government is simultaneously encouraging wider adoption of PNG connections and alternative fuels to ease pressure on LPG demand.
Maritime Operations Continue Normally
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said Indian maritime operations remain unaffected despite tensions in the Persian Gulf.
The India-flagged LPG carrier Green Asha safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and arrived at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority earlier this week.
The MoPSW confirmed that no incident involving Indian vessels or seafarers had been reported in the past 24 hours. Over 1,800 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far amid the evolving regional situation.
Evacuation of Indians from Iran
India has also intensified efforts to assist its nationals in the region. The Embassy of India in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,170 Indians from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.
Those assisted include 971 students and 657 fishermen.
The government said flights from several Gulf countries continue to operate with adjustments due to airspace restrictions. Since late February, around 8.15 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India.
Diplomatic Engagements
Amid the crisis, India is maintaining diplomatic engagement with countries in the region. External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will visit the United Arab Emirates from April 11 to 12 to review bilateral cooperation and strengthen the India–UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Meanwhile, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is visiting Qatar on April 9-10 for discussions on energy cooperation.
Officials said the government continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and is working with state governments, industry stakeholders and Indian missions abroad to ensure the safety of Indian nationals and stability of essential supplies.
