Centre reviews energy, shipping and citizen safety amid deepening West Asia crisis

In view of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, the Government of India has intensified coordinated efforts to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, secure maritime operations, and safeguard Indian nationals in the region.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) assured that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available across the country, urging citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official information.

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To ease pressure on conventional fuels, the government has encouraged the use of alternative energy sources such as PNG, electric, and induction cooking. Consumers have also been advised to opt for digital LPG booking to reduce crowding at distribution points.

Despite supply disruptions linked to global tensions, the government has maintained 100% supply to domestic LPG, PNG, and CNG (transport) segments. Commercial LPG distribution has been prioritised for essential sectors such as healthcare, education, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and manufacturing. Refinery output has been ramped up, while measures such as extending LPG refill intervals and boosting the availability of kerosene and coal have been implemented. States have been directed to expand PNG connections to reduce dependency on LPG, the MoPNG said.

State governments have been empowered under the Essential Commodities Act to act against hoarding and black marketing. Enforcement has intensified, with over 1,900 raids conducted nationwide recently. Oil marketing companies have penalised 349 LPG distributors and suspended 74 agencies for irregularities.

Control rooms and district monitoring committees have been set up across states to ensure supply discipline and counter misinformation.

While LPG supply remains affected due to the global situation, domestic distribution continues without major disruption. No “dry-outs” have been reported, and delivery systems have improved with 99% online bookings and 94% authentication-based deliveries.

The government has increased commercial LPG allocation to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, while expanding access to 5 kg cylinders for migrant workers, with over 23 lakh units distributed since April.

To ensure long-term energy security, the government is accelerating PNG and CNG adoption. Gas allocation to fertiliser plants has been increased to 98%, while other industrial sectors are receiving up to 80% supply.

Over 6 lakh new PNG connections have been activated since March, with infrastructure expanded for nearly 9 lakh households. Incentives and fast-track approvals are being rolled out to scale up city gas distribution networks, the Petroleum Ministry said.

All refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude reserves. To shield consumers from rising global oil prices, the Centre has cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.

Export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) have also been reduced. Retail fuel prices remain unchanged at public sector outlets despite volatility in global crude markets.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the maritime operations remain stable. Indian vessels and seafarers in the region are safe, with no reported incidents in the past 24 hours.

An LPG carrier carrying Indian cargo recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz safely and is expected to reach Visakhapatnam by mid-May. Over 2,950 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) continues to monitor developments closely, maintaining round-the-clock helplines through Indian missions.

Evacuation and travel assistance efforts are ongoing, with improved flight connectivity from countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Partial airspace openings in Iran and Iraq are also being utilised for evacuation routes.

So far, over 2,500 Indians have been assisted in exiting Iran via land routes.