At Inter-Ministerial briefing, govt assures robust power supply, no fuel shortage amid West Asia crisis

Amid the prevailing situation in West Asia and global energy crisis triggered by the US and Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the Government of India on Wednesday said that the country’s energy and electricity system remains “robust” and “well-diversified” with adequate stocks to meet both short-term and long-term demand requirements.

An an Inter-Ministerial briefing on West Asia conflict, officials from Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors.

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Power Sector

During the briefing, the Ministry of Power highlighted that despite global uncertainties, India’s electricity system remains robust, well-diversified, and adequately positioned to meet both short-term and long-term demand requirements.

India’s current installed capacity of over 531 GW reflects a well-diversified portfolio, with significant contributions from coal, renewables, hydro, and nuclear sources, with non-fossil sources exceeding 50 per cent.

This capacity is supported by a strong transmission backbone of approximately 5 lakh circuit kilometres (ckm) and over 120 GW inter-regional transfer capability, ensuring reliable power flow across regions.

Adequate coal stock is being ensured at thermal power plants to address near-term supply challenges.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas shared an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being undertaken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG amid the ongoing developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supply, particularly for hospitals and educational institutions.

The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.

Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.

The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.

States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.

Crude position

All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated.

Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption, while retail outlets across the country are operating normally, the ministry said.

It further added that the Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.

The Ministry also informed that export levy has been imposed at Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to ensure adequate domestic availability.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

The Ministry of External Affairs officials shared updates on recent developments in the region, including assistance through Indian Missions.

They said that the government continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region and several Union Ministers are undertaking visits to Gulf countries to strengthen India’s energy security