Updates on Key Sectors in View of Developments in West Asia

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday said India’s fuel supply remains stable despite rising tensions in West Asia, assuring citizens that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol, or diesel across the country.

According to the latest update, no LPG dry-outs have been reported, and more than 52.3 lakh domestic cylinders were delivered on April 11 alone. The government has urged citizens not to panic-buy fuel and to rely only on official information, while encouraging the use of digital LPG booking and alternative cooking options like PNG and electric appliances.

To maintain supply stability, authorities have increased refinery output, extended LPG booking intervals, and prioritised supply for households, hospitals, and educational institutions. Additional kerosene and coal supplies have also been arranged to ease pressure on LPG demand. States have been directed to closely monitor the situation and act against hoarding and black marketing under existing laws.

Enforcement efforts have intensified nationwide, with over 2,700 raids conducted on April 11. Public sector oil marketing companies have penalised 219 LPG distributors and suspended 56 distributorships for violations.

Commercial LPG supply has been raised to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, while special 5 kg cylinders are being distributed to migrant workers. Since late March, more than 13 lakh such cylinders have been sold. Awareness campaigns have also been scaled up to promote their usage.

The government is simultaneously pushing for a transition toward cleaner fuels. Since March 2026, over 4.24 lakh PNG connections have been activated and more than 4.66 lakh new customers have registered. Several companies, including GAIL and Bharat Petroleum, are offering incentives to expand PNG adoption.

India’s refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude stocks, and petrol and diesel availability remains normal. Despite global crude price increases, the government has reduced excise duty by ₹10 per litre to shield consumers, while raising export levies on diesel and aviation fuel to protect domestic supply.

On the maritime front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that port operations across India are functioning normally without congestion. Indian seafarers in the region remain safe, and over 2,000 have been repatriated so far.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs continues to assist Indian nationals in West Asia. Around 8.97 lakh passengers have travelled back to India since February 28. Indian missions remain active with round-the-clock helplines, while travel is being facilitated through alternative routes where airspace restrictions are in place.

The government reiterated that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and taking coordinated steps to ensure energy security, smooth logistics, and the safety of Indian citizens abroad. (PIB)