The Government of India has assured citizens that adequate supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the country and urged the public not to resort to panic buying amid evolving developments in West Asia.
The assurance came during the third inter ministerial media briefing held at the National Media Centre on March 13 to provide updates on the situation in West Asia and the preparedness measures being taken by various ministries.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting briefed the media on energy supply preparedness, maritime safety, shipping operations, welfare of Indian nationals in the region and public communication measures.
The briefing followed earlier media interactions held on March 11 and March 12 to keep the public informed about coordinated government efforts to address emerging challenges linked to the geopolitical situation and disruption in shipping routes including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy Supply And Fuel Availability
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that India’s refining capacity stands at around 258 million metric tonnes per annum, making the country the fourth largest refining hub in the world.
India is self sufficient in petrol and diesel production and does not require imports of these fuels to meet domestic demand. All refineries are operating at high levels, with some running above 100 percent capacity. Adequate crude oil inventories are being maintained and supplies continue to arrive through diversified import sources and shipping routes.
No cases of fuel dry out have been reported at any of the nearly one lakh retail fuel outlets across the country. Authorities advised citizens not to purchase petrol or diesel in containers as it is unsafe and violates existing regulations.
A case was recently identified in Tamil Nadu where petrol was being sold in loose containers at a retail outlet. Sales at the outlet were immediately suspended after detection.
Natural Gas Supply
The government issued a Natural Gas Control Order on March 9 under the Essential Commodities Act to protect supply to priority sectors.
Under this order, 100 percent supply to piped natural gas and compressed natural gas consumers continues without cuts. Supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at 80 percent.
About 3.73 million metric standard cubic metres per day of gas is currently consumed in the domestic piped natural gas segment and adequate supply is available. More than 1.5 crore households are currently connected to piped natural gas networks across the country.
Officials noted that nearly 60 lakh households have piped natural gas connectivity available nearby but are still using LPG cylinders. Consumers in such areas have been advised to switch to piped natural gas for cooking to help conserve LPG supplies for regions without piped connectivity.
City gas distribution companies have also been asked to provide new piped natural gas connections to commercial and industrial consumers in major urban centres, with state governments and local bodies requested to expedite clearances for pipeline expansion.
LPG Supply And Monitoring
The government said there have been no reports of supply shortages at any of the 25,000 LPG distributorships across the country.
However, a surge in bookings has been recorded due to panic buying. Daily LPG bookings increased from an average of 55.7 lakh to 76 lakh on March 12.
Public sector oil marketing companies continue to deliver around 50 lakh LPG cylinders every day. Authorities urged consumers to avoid panic booking and place orders only as per normal household requirements.
Call centres of public sector oil companies have been expanded to handle consumer complaints. The number of seats has been increased to 400 and telephone lines to 650 to ensure minimal call failures.
Authorities are also taking strict action to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG cylinders.
Enforcement Actions Against Hoarding
State governments and district administrations have been directed to intensify enforcement measures.
Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Secretary of the Department of Consumer Affairs held a video conference with Food and Civil Supplies secretaries of all states and union territories to review supply conditions.
Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have also reviewed the situation and directed district magistrates and police authorities to monitor illegal storage and sale of petroleum products.
Several enforcement actions have already been reported.
Examples of enforcement actions
• 524 stolen LPG cylinders recovered in Jhansi Uttar Pradesh
• 32 cylinders seized in Hapur Uttar Pradesh
• 46 cylinders seized from hotels in Karnataka
• 38 cylinders seized in Chhatarpur Madhya Pradesh
Public sector oil companies have also begun surprise inspections of dealers and distributors.
Additional Measures By Government
The government has increased domestic LPG production from refineries by more than 30 percent compared with earlier levels.
Additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been made to states and union territories for emergency distribution.
Commercial LPG cylinders have also been made available to state governments for priority distribution to critical sectors including hospitals educational institutions and other essential services.
To provide alternative fuel options, the Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to increase coal allocation for small and medium consumers.
The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has allowed temporary use of kerosene and coal for hospitality and restaurant operations for one month in view of the situation.
Public Advisory
Citizens have been advised not to panic and to rely only on official information sources.
Consumers can book LPG cylinders through authorised digital platforms including:
• IVRS phone calls
• SMS booking
• WhatsApp booking
• Mobile applications of oil marketing companies
Authorities advised consumers to avoid visiting LPG agencies unnecessarily and to remain cautious of digital scams while making bookings online.
Maritime Safety And Shipping Operations
The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways stated that port operations across India remain stable and are functioning normally.
Currently 24 Indian flagged vessels carrying 668 Indian seafarers are operating in the Persian Gulf. In addition, 76 Indian seafarers remain on three vessels located east of the Strait of Hormuz.
Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are working on merchant harbour and offshore vessels across the wider Gulf region.
The Directorate General of Shipping has activated a 24 hour control room and handled more than 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails while facilitating the safe repatriation of more than 223 stranded Indian seafarers.
Ports across the country have implemented special measures to manage cargo flows.
Operational measures at ports
• Standard operating procedures issued for major ports and state maritime boards
• Appointment of nodal officers as single point of contact
• Priority berthing for LPG vessels
• Additional cargo storage arrangements
• Priority handling of perishable cargo
• Faster customs clearance and movement of cargo
• Enhanced bunkering support
During the ongoing crisis three Indian seafarers have lost their lives and one seafarer remains missing. Four injured seafarers have been treated and discharged and coordination is underway to repatriate the mortal remains of deceased nationals.
Safety Of Indian Nationals In West Asia
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs said India continues active diplomatic engagement with countries in West Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian and emphasised India’s priority regarding the safety and wellbeing of Indian nationals in the region and the importance of uninterrupted transit of energy and goods.
The Prime Minister reiterated that all issues in the region should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi to discuss bilateral and BRICS related issues.
The control room established by the Ministry of External Affairs on March 4 has received more than 900 calls and over 200 emails from Indian citizens seeking assistance.
Indian missions across the region are operating 24 hour helplines and coordinating with host governments to support Indian nationals.
Flights are currently operating from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia. Travel from Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq is being facilitated through Saudi Arabia due to airspace restrictions.
In a recent attack in Sohar city in Oman, two Indian nationals lost their lives and 10 Indians were injured. Five injured persons have been discharged while five remain under treatment with no serious injuries reported.
So far five Indian nationals have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict and one Indian national remains missing.
Following an attack on the vessel Safesea Vishnu in Iraqi waters on March 11, 15 Indian crew members were evacuated safely and are currently in Basra. Arrangements are being made for their return to India and repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian crew member.
Public Communication Measures
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting urged the public to rely on verified information and avoid rumours that could trigger unnecessary panic.
State governments have begun action against hoarding and black marketing of fuel and LPG cylinders.
Citizens have also been advised to book LPG cylinders only through authorised platforms and remain cautious of digital fraud.
The government said it continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and is maintaining coordination among all concerned ministries and agencies to safeguard energy supplies ensure maritime safety protect Indian nationals and maintain uninterrupted availability of essential commodities across the country.
