Govt Steps Up Fuel Supply, Maritime Safety Measures Amid West Asia Crisis
More than 4,000 raids have been conducted across states to curb hoarding, with over 1,300 LPG cylinders seized.
Advises against panic buying; over 1,130 seafarers repatriated, fuel supplies remain stable
New Delhi: The Government of India has intensified coordinated measures across energy supply, maritime operations, and citizen support systems in response to the evolving situation in West Asia, while assuring adequate availability of fuel and essential supplies across the country.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in a statement said on Saturday that steps have been taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG despite disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Citizens have been advised to avoid panic buying and rely only on official information.
To manage demand and maintain supply stability, the government has prioritised LPG and PNG supplies for domestic consumption, hospitals, and educational institutions. Measures include increased refinery output, revised LPG booking intervals, and promotion of alternative fuels such as PNG, kerosene, and electric cooking solutions.
Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, chaired a review meeting with states and Union Territories, directing them to prioritise LPG distribution, prevent hoarding, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms. States have also been asked to issue regular public advisories and intensify enforcement drives against black marketing.
More than 4,000 raids have been conducted across states to curb hoarding, with over 1,300 LPG cylinders seized. Oil marketing companies have issued over 670 show cause notices to distributors, while delivery authentication-based LPG distribution has increased significantly to prevent diversion.
Despite global supply pressures, LPG distribution remains stable, with no reported shortages. Around 55 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered in a single day, while digital bookings accounted for 94% of total orders.
Commercial LPG supply has been gradually restored to 70% of pre-crisis levels, with priority allocation to key sectors such as hospitality, food processing, and manufacturing industries. Sales of 5 kg free trade LPG cylinders have crossed five lakh since March 23, with over 67,000 units sold in a single day.
The government has also accelerated expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) networks, with over 3.42 lakh connections gasified and 3.7 lakh new registrations recorded since March. Several ministries have issued directives to fast-track approvals and infrastructure development to support the transition to cleaner fuels.
To cushion consumers from rising crude prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre, while imposing export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure domestic availability.
On the maritime front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said port operations across the country remain normal, with no congestion reported. The Directorate General of Shipping is closely monitoring vessel movements and seafarer safety, with 18 Indian-flagged vessels and 485 Indian crew currently in the western Persian Gulf region.
More than 1,130 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far, including 155 in the last 24 hours, with a 24×7 control room handling operational coordination and assistance.
The Ministry of External Affairs is maintaining close contact with Indian nationals in the region through missions and consulates, providing round-the-clock assistance, facilitating travel through alternative routes, and ensuring welfare of students and workers.
The overall flight situation is gradually improving, with around 6.49 lakh passengers having travelled from the region to India since February 28, supported by additional and non-scheduled flight operations.
The government reiterated that adequate fuel stocks are available across the country and urged citizens to avoid misinformation, conserve energy, and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth supply and distribution.
