SRINAGAR: Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India has initiated a series of coordinated measures to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, maintain maritime operations, and safeguard Indian nationals in the region. Ministries including Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, and Ports, Shipping and Waterways are working in tandem to sustain critical sectors and prevent disruptions, according to PIB handout.
On energy supply, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and LPG are available across the country. Citizens have been advised against panic buying and urged to rely on official information channels. The government has prioritised domestic LPG, PNG, and CNG supply, while commercial LPG allocation has been calibrated with priority to hospitals, educational institutions, and key industries. Measures such as increased refinery output, extended LPG booking intervals, and promotion of alternate fuels including PNG, kerosene, and induction-based cooking are being implemented to manage demand.
State governments have been directed to intensify monitoring under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the LPG Control Order, 2000, to curb hoarding and black marketing. Enforcement actions have been stepped up, with over 2,100 raids conducted recently and penalties imposed on several LPG distributorships. Control rooms and district monitoring committees have been activated across states and Union Territories to oversee supply and distribution.
Despite global volatility linked to developments around the Strait of Hormuz, refinery operations in India continue at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories. The Centre has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre to shield consumers from rising global prices, while increasing export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to maintain domestic availability.
In the natural gas sector, full supply is being maintained for domestic PNG and CNG transport segments, while allocations to fertiliser and industrial sectors have been enhanced. Efforts to expand PNG infrastructure have been accelerated, supported by policy reforms and faster approval mechanisms for city gas distribution networks.
On maritime operations, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that Indian vessels and seafarers remain safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged ships in the past 24 hours. A control room under the Directorate General of Shipping has handled thousands of calls and emails, while over 2,700 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely, maintaining round-the-clock helplines through Indian missions in the region. Regular advisories are being issued, and missions are coordinating with local authorities and community groups to assist Indian nationals. Since late February, nearly 12.96 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India, with limited but ongoing flight operations from countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait.
The government has reiterated that adequate fuel supplies are being maintained nationwide and urged citizens to conserve energy, avoid misinformation, and cooperate with authorities as precautionary measures remain in place.
