Centre Assures Fuel Stability Amid West Asia Tensions; 17.83 Lakh 5 Kg LPG Cylinders Sold Since April 1
According to official updates , more than 81,000 5 kg cylinders were sold on a single day, reflecting steady demand and targeted distribution efforts.
To manage demand, measures such as enhanced refinery output, extended LPG booking cycles, and promotion of alternate fuels including PNG, kerosene and electric cooking have been implemented.
New Delhi: The Union government on Friday assured uninterrupted fuel supply and stable logistics across sectors despite evolving geopolitical tensions in West Asia, even as over 17.83 lakh 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders have been sold since April 1 to support vulnerable groups and migrant workers.
According to official updates , more than 81,000 five-kg cylinders were sold on a single day, reflecting steady demand and targeted distribution efforts.
Officials from the ministries of petroleum and natural gas, ports, shipping and waterways, and external affairs briefed the media, outlining coordinated measures to maintain fuel availability, ensure maritime safety, and support Indian nationals in the region.
The government said 100% supply is being maintained for domestic LPG, PNG and CNG, with priority allocation for households and essential sectors such as healthcare, education, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and manufacturing.
To manage demand, measures such as enhanced refinery output, extended LPG booking cycles, and promotion of alternate fuels including PNG, kerosene and electric cooking have been implemented. States have been empowered to act against hoarding and black marketing, with over 2,300 enforcement raids conducted nationwide.
The government is also accelerating the shift to cleaner fuels. Since March, around 5.27 lakh PNG connections have been activated, with infrastructure ready for an additional 2.60 lakh connections, taking the total to 7.87 lakh connections, while 5.97 lakh new customers have been registered.
Retail fuel supply remains stable, with petrol and diesel prices unchanged at PSU outlets despite global crude volatility. To shield consumers, the Centre has reduced excise duty by ₹10 per litre, while increasing export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure domestic availability.
On maritime operations, the government confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours. Port operations across India continue without congestion.
The ministry of external affairs said it is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, with round-the-clock control rooms, active embassy support, and coordinated evacuation efforts. Since February 28, around 12.38 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India, with flight operations gradually stabilising across multiple countries.
The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying, rely on official information sources, and adopt energy conservation measures, emphasising that supply chains remain robust and closely monitored.
