The Centre has intensified efforts to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, safeguard maritime operations, and assist Indian nationals abroad amid the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, particularly following disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG across the country and urged citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on verified information.
Fuel Supply Remains Stable
The Ministry said that all retail fuel outlets are functioning normally, with adequate stocks available nationwide. To shield consumers from rising global crude prices, the Centre has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and imposed export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to maintain domestic availability.
Despite supply pressures, around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered in a single day, while over 5.7 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have been distributed since March 23. These smaller cylinders are available at distributors on showing valid ID, without the need for address proof.
The Ministry also reported that over 3.5 lakh PNG (piped natural gas) connections have been activated since March, with efforts underway to expand coverage further, especially for households, restaurants, and institutions.
Crackdown on Hoarding, Boost to Monitoring
To curb hoarding and black marketing, enforcement agencies conducted over 3,700 raids in a single day, issuing around 1,000 show-cause notices and suspending 27 LPG distributorships so far.
States and Union Territories have been directed to intensify monitoring, conduct daily press briefings, and counter misinformation. Dedicated control rooms and helplines have been set up in many regions to keep citizens informed.
Industrial Supply to Improve
Gas supply to key sectors is being prioritised, with fertiliser plants expected to receive up to 90% of their average consumption from April 6, up from the current 70–75%. Supplies to industrial and commercial users are also set to increase.
Refineries are operating at high capacity, and domestic LPG production has been ramped up to meet demand.
Maritime Operations Under Close Watch
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) said all Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers in the region are safe. Notably, the LPG vessel Green Sanvi successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of cargo.
Currently, 17 Indian-flagged vessels with around 460 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region under close monitoring. A 24×7 control room is operational to track developments and assist stakeholders.
So far, over 1,320 Indian seafarers have been repatriated, including 190 in the past 24 hours.
Assistance to Indians Abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian missions across West Asia are operating round-the-clock helplines and providing assistance to citizens. Travel arrangements are being facilitated through alternative routes due to airspace restrictions in several countries.
More than 6.75 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region since late February, with special arrangements in place for transit through countries such as Saudi Arabia, Armenia, and Jordan.
In a recent incident in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have since been discharged, while one remains under treatment with full support from Indian authorities.
Public Advisory
The government reiterated its appeal to citizens to conserve energy, opt for alternative fuels like PNG and electric cooking where possible, and avoid unnecessary LPG bookings.
Officials emphasised that coordinated efforts between the Centre, states, and industry stakeholders are ensuring stability in supply chains, even as the situation in West Asia continues to evolve.
