India has intensified its preparedness and response measures across key sectors, including energy supply, maritime operations and citizen safety, in view of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia. The government has initiated a multi-pronged strategy to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential fuels, maintain smooth shipping operations, and safeguard Indian nationals in the region.
At the core of the response is the assurance of energy security despite disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The government confirmed that all refineries across the country are operating at high capacity, backed by adequate crude inventories. Sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained, and no fuel shortages or dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets operated by Oil Marketing Companies. Authorities have reiterated that there is no need for panic buying, as supply chains remain stable and responsive.
To reduce pressure on liquefied petroleum gas supplies, the government has accelerated the transition towards piped natural gas. City Gas Distribution entities have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens. Ministries and departments have been instructed to fast-track approvals for CGD infrastructure and promote PNG adoption across government establishments and colonies. Commercial LPG consumers, particularly in urban centres, have also been advised to shift to PNG wherever feasible.
In addition, CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives to encourage adoption of PNG connections. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation has mandated expedited processing of CGD applications within ten days. Ministries have also been asked to assess PNG demand within their establishments and appoint nodal officers to coordinate implementation.
While domestic LPG supply remains stable with no reported disruptions in distribution, the government acknowledged that supply pressures persist due to the global situation. To address this, a calibrated allocation strategy has been implemented. Commercial LPG supply has now been increased to 50 percent of normal levels, including an additional 20 percent allocation approved on March 21. This enhanced allocation prioritises critical sectors such as restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing units, subsidised community kitchens and migrant worker support through small cylinder distribution.
Educational institutions and hospitals continue to receive priority, accounting for nearly half of commercial LPG allocation. In the past week alone, approximately 13,479 metric tonnes of commercial LPG has been supplied across states and union territories. Domestic LPG delivery systems remain operational, with most transactions conducted through digital authentication mechanisms, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
To further ease demand pressures, the government has increased the allocation of alternative fuels. An additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been distributed to states and union territories, with directions to identify suitable distribution points. The Ministry of Coal has also facilitated higher coal supplies through Coal India and Singareni Collieries for small and medium consumers.
Strict enforcement measures are being carried out nationwide to prevent hoarding and black marketing of LPG and petroleum products. More than 3,500 raids have been conducted across states including Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Maharashtra, resulting in the seizure of around 1,400 cylinders. Public sector oil companies have carried out over 2,000 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships to ensure compliance and smooth supply.
State governments have been directed to maintain vigilance under the Essential Commodities Act and related regulations. All states and union territories have established control rooms and district-level monitoring committees to oversee supply conditions, conduct inspections and issue regular public advisories. Authorities have also urged citizens to rely on official information sources, avoid panic bookings, and adopt energy conservation practices, including the use of electric and induction cooktops.
On the maritime front, India’s shipping and port operations continue without disruption. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours. Currently, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region under close monitoring.
The Directorate General of Shipping is operating a 24-hour control room and has handled more than 3,670 calls and 6,929 emails since activation. Over 534 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far, including 21 in the last 24 hours. India’s ports continue to function efficiently, with no congestion reported, ensuring uninterrupted maritime trade.
Efforts to support Indian nationals in West Asia have also been intensified. Indian missions and posts across the region are functioning round the clock, providing consular assistance, issuing advisories and coordinating evacuations where necessary. Since February 28, approximately 3.3 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region.
Flight operations remain active from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman, while special arrangements are in place for countries facing airspace restrictions. Transit routes via Saudi Arabia are being used for passengers from Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq. Fifteen Indian crew members of MT Safesea Vishnu have safely returned to India from Iraq.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor the situation closely, prioritising the safety, security and welfare of Indian citizens. A dedicated 24-hour control room remains operational to assist individuals in distress.
At the diplomatic level, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has engaged with key global leaders, including Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran, and King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Discussions focused on the need for peace, stability, protection of critical infrastructure, and ensuring secure and uninterrupted maritime trade routes. The Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as the pathway to de-escalation in the region.
Despite the challenging geopolitical environment, the government has maintained that India’s supply chains, infrastructure systems and institutional response mechanisms remain resilient. The coordinated approach across ministries and states reflects a comprehensive effort to safeguard national interests while ensuring minimal disruption to citizens and the economy.
