Govt Reviews West Asia Crisis; Moves to Safeguard Fuel Supply, Rural Schemes, Indian Nationals
Online LPG bookings have surged to 99%, with over 7,000 awareness camps organised nationwide to promote smaller 5 kg cylinders, particularly for migrant workers.
Officials from the ministries of petroleum and natural gas, ports, shipping and waterways, external affairs, and rural development detailed preparedness steps amid rising geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains and commodity prices.
New Delhi: The Government of India on Monday held an inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre to assess the evolving situation in West Asia, outlining a series of coordinated measures to ensure energy security, protect Indian nationals abroad, and maintain continuity of key domestic programmes.
Officials from the ministries of petroleum and natural gas, ports, shipping and waterways, external affairs, and rural development detailed preparedness steps amid rising geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains and commodity prices.
The Ministry of Rural Development said it has undertaken a comprehensive review to ensure uninterrupted implementation of flagship schemes, including Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin. Wage employment under MGNREGA will continue without disruption, supported by the release of around ₹17,744 crore to ensure timely payments.
Officials said the proposed VB–G RAM G Act is expected to enhance employment guarantees to 125 days, further strengthening rural livelihoods.
On infrastructure, the government confirmed that rural road projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana remain largely insulated from global volatility, with over 12,000 km of roadworks under tendering.
In the energy sector, the ministry of petroleum and natural gas assured that petrol, diesel and LPG supplies remain stable, urging citizens to avoid panic buying. Public sector oil marketing companies have stepped up production and distribution, while alternate fuels such as PNG, kerosene and coal are being promoted to ease pressure on LPG demand.
Online LPG bookings have surged to 99%, with over 7,000 awareness camps organised nationwide to promote smaller 5 kg cylinders, particularly for migrant workers. Commercial LPG supply has been scaled to nearly 70% of pre-crisis levels, with priority given to critical sectors such as healthcare, education and agriculture.
To strengthen enforcement, more than 1,900 raids were conducted across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing, while penalties were imposed on errant LPG distributors.
The government has also taken steps to cushion consumers from rising crude prices by reducing excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre, while increasing export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure domestic availability.
On the maritime front, authorities confirmed that Indian vessels continue to operate under close monitoring in the Persian Gulf region. Over 2,563 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, with no reported casualties despite recent security incidents involving commercial ships.
The ministry of external affairs said it has intensified outreach in the Gulf region, maintaining round-the-clock helplines and coordinating with Indian missions to assist nationals. Since late February, over 11.3 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India through various operational routes.
Special evacuation support continues from countries such as Iran and Israel, with Indian missions facilitating movement through neighbouring nations including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Jordan and Egypt.
Officials emphasised that the government remains fully prepared to manage any spillover effects of the West Asia situation, with coordinated efforts across ministries to ensure economic stability, uninterrupted supply chains and the safety of Indian citizens both at home and abroad.
