The Government of India has reaffirmed that fuel supply chains, maritime operations, and assistance to Indian nationals remain stable and closely monitored amid the evolving situation in West Asia, even as precautionary measures continue to be strengthened across sectors to ensure uninterrupted services and public safety.
In a comprehensive update, the government said domestic LPG deliveries across the country remain normal, with a noticeable decline in panic bookings, indicating improved public confidence in supply stability. This comes in the backdrop of global uncertainties following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical energy transit route.
On the supply side, all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, ensuring that petrol and diesel stocks remain sufficient across the country. Domestic LPG production has also been maximised to meet demand. Oil Marketing Companies have reported no instances of fuel dry-outs at retail outlets, and supplies are being maintained without disruption.
The government reiterated its advisory urging citizens to avoid panic buying and rely on official communication channels, noting that fuel availability remains stable and distribution systems are functioning efficiently.
A major focus has been placed on managing LPG supply through calibrated allocation and promotion of alternative fuel sources. The government has increased commercial LPG allocation to states, with total allocation now reaching 50 percent, including an additional 20 percent approved recently. This enhanced allocation is being prioritised for critical sectors such as restaurants, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing units, community kitchens, and subsidised food outlets, as well as for migrant workers through smaller cylinder formats.
Educational institutions and hospitals have been accorded top priority, with approximately 50 percent of commercial LPG allocation directed towards these sectors to ensure uninterrupted essential services.
To ease pressure on LPG demand, the government is actively promoting the transition to Piped Natural Gas connections for both domestic and commercial consumers. City Gas Distribution entities have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants, and canteens. Incentives are being offered by companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas, and BPCL to encourage adoption.
Administrative measures have been streamlined to accelerate expansion of gas infrastructure. State governments and Union Territories have been advised to fast-track approvals for City Gas Distribution networks, while central ministries have been instructed to assess PNG demand in their establishments and designate nodal officers for coordination. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation has been directed to process applications within a ten-day timeline to ensure swift implementation.
In parallel, alternative fuel options such as kerosene and coal have been made available to reduce dependency on LPG. An additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been distributed to states and Union Territories, with instructions to identify district-level distribution points. The Ministry of Coal has also increased coal supplies through Coal India and Singareni Collieries to support small and medium consumers.
Enforcement actions have been intensified across the country to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Around 3,500 raids were conducted across multiple states including Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh in the past 24 hours, leading to the seizure of more than 1,200 cylinders. Public sector oil companies have also carried out over 1,800 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships to ensure compliance and maintain smooth supply chains.
State governments and Union Territories have been directed to maintain strict vigilance under the Essential Commodities Act and LPG Control Order, conduct regular inspections, and issue public advisories to discourage panic buying. Control rooms and district-level monitoring committees have been established in 32 states and Union Territories to oversee supply and coordinate response measures.
On the natural gas front, priority supply continues for domestic PNG users and CNG transport, while industrial and commercial consumers are receiving around 80 percent of their average consumption, ensuring balanced distribution across sectors.
Maritime operations across India remain unaffected, with ports functioning normally and no congestion reported. The Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways is maintaining continuous monitoring of shipping movements and port operations. All Indian seafarers in the region are reported safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours.
A total of 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf, with DG Shipping coordinating closely with ship owners, agencies, and Indian Missions. The DG Shipping Control Room continues to operate round the clock and has handled over 3,730 calls and 7,058 emails since activation. More than 547 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 13 in the past 24 hours.
The government also confirmed that assistance to Indian nationals in the Gulf and West Asia remains a top priority. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation, with a 24-hour control room in operation and continuous coordination with state governments and Union Territories. Indian Missions across the region are functioning round the clock, issuing advisories, operating helplines, and assisting seafarers, students, and stranded nationals.
Since February 28, more than 3.5 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region. Flight operations continue from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, while alternative arrangements are being made through Saudi Arabia for travellers affected by airspace closures in Kuwait and Bahrain. Special flights are being operated from locations such as Dammam and Al Qaisumah to facilitate travel.
The government confirmed that six Indian nationals have lost their lives in recent incidents, and one individual remains missing. Indian Missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq, and the UAE are coordinating with local authorities for search efforts and the early repatriation of mortal remains.
The government reiterated that it is taking all necessary steps to ensure energy security, maintain supply stability, safeguard maritime operations, and protect the welfare of Indian citizens, while continuing to monitor developments in West Asia closely.
