Inter-ministerial briefing highlights stable LPG and PNG supply, strengthened enforcement against hoarding, safe maritime transit through Strait of Hormuz, and continued assistance to Indian nationals abroad
TFP Bureau, New Delhi, April 21,2026: The Government of India on Monday convened an inter-ministerial media briefing at the National Media Centre to provide a comprehensive update on the evolving situation in West Asia and its implications for domestic energy security, essential supplies, maritime operations and the welfare of Indian nationals in the region.
Senior officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs, and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying addressed the media, outlining coordinated measures being taken to maintain stability across key sectors amid geopolitical volatility.
Milk Supply Remains Stable Across the Country
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying informed that milk procurement, processing and distribution across the country have remained completely uninterrupted despite the prevailing crisis in West Asia. Officials stated that milk prices are stable, there has been no supply disruption in the market, and payments to dairy farmers are continuing without delay.
To ensure smooth functioning of the dairy value chain, regular review meetings are being chaired by the Secretary (Animal Husbandry and Dairying) with stakeholders. A dedicated digital portal was launched on March 30, 2026, connecting all State Milk Federations and Milk Unions for daily monitoring of milk availability, fuel supply and packaging material.
Fuel supply to dairy plants has also been safeguarded. An order issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on April 8 ensured that critical industries, including dairy processing plants, would receive 70 percent of their pre-March 2026 bulk non-domestic LPG supply. Dairy plants have also been advised to gradually transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) wherever feasible to reduce reliance on LPG.
Concerns related to plastic packaging material have been addressed through the Joint Working Group on Petrochemicals. The Ministry has allocated 0.23 TMT of LDPE for dairy packaging and assured continued supply of polypropylene and polystyrene used for plastic cups. A simplified animal quarantine clearance procedure has also been notified to facilitate the smooth return of exported cargo to Indian ports.
Energy Supply Fully Secured; No LPG Shortage
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured that there is no shortage of LPG, petrol or diesel in the country. Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritised and no reports of dry-outs at LPG distributorships have been received.
Online LPG bookings have risen to nearly 98 percent, while Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have increased to about 92 percent, helping prevent diversion and ensuring genuine beneficiaries receive cylinders.
For commercial LPG, allocation has been increased to around 70 percent of pre-crisis levels, with priority given to hospitals, educational institutions, pharmaceutical units, agriculture and other critical sectors. The daily supply of 5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinders for migrant labourers has been doubled in all states based on early March averages.
Since March 2026, more than 19.28 lakh 5 kg cylinders have been sold. In April alone, over 1,23,680 metric tonnes of commercial LPG — equivalent to more than 65 lakh 19 kg cylinders — have been supplied across the country. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have organised more than 7,400 awareness camps to promote 5 kg cylinders, selling over 1.07 lakh units through these camps.
Strict Enforcement Against Hoarding and Black Marketing
To curb hoarding and black marketing, coordinated enforcement drives are being conducted nationwide. More than 2,200 raids were carried out yesterday alone. Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies have conducted surprise inspections at LPG distributorships, imposed penalties on 274 outlets and suspended 67 distributorships so far.
States and Union Territories have activated control rooms and district monitoring committees under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the LPG Control Order, 2000. They have been directed to intensify inspections, issue regular public advisories and counter misinformation on social media platforms.
Rapid Expansion of PNG Connections
The government has accelerated expansion of PNG infrastructure to reduce pressure on LPG demand. Since March 2026, more than 5.01 lakh PNG connections have been gasified and over 5.68 lakh customers have registered for new connections. Approximately 39,400 consumers have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections via the MYPNGD.in portal.
Gas supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport sectors is being maintained at 100 percent. Allocation to fertiliser plants has been enhanced to 95 percent of their six-month average consumption, while industrial and commercial supply through City Gas Distribution networks has been increased up to 80 percent.
The government has also notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, to streamline approvals for pipeline expansion and strengthen last-mile connectivity, accelerating India’s transition toward a gas-based economy.
Refinery Operations and Retail Fuel Availability
Officials confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories. Domestic LPG production has been increased and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained across retail outlets.
Although global crude prices have risen due to tensions in West Asia, retail prices at PSU outlets remain unchanged. The government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre to shield consumers from international volatility. An additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene has been allocated to states over and above regular supply.
Maritime Operations and Safe Transit Through Strait of Hormuz
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion. Yard occupancy has reduced to around 60 percent, down from nearly 80 percent during peak tension.
Since February 28, 2026, nine LPG vessels and one crude oil vessel have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz. The Directorate General of Shipping control room has handled over 7,086 calls and nearly 14,975 emails since activation, reflecting active monitoring and support.
More than 2,590 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 27 in the last 24 hours. Twelve Indian seafarers who were stranded in Iraq arrived in Mumbai yesterday after the reopening of Iraqi airspace, with assistance from the Indian Mission in Baghdad.
Safety of Indian Nationals Abroad
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region. Dedicated control rooms remain operational, and Indian Missions are running round-the-clock helplines.
Since February 28, approximately 11.61 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India. Limited commercial flights continue to operate between India and countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. Alternative arrangements are being facilitated through neighbouring countries where airspace restrictions remain in place.
Senior government leaders, including the National Security Advisor and Union Ministers, have engaged with Gulf counterparts to ensure cooperation and safeguard Indian interests. Missions are in constant touch with Indian community associations and local authorities to address concerns and facilitate assistance.
Public Advisory
The government has urged citizens not to indulge in panic buying of petrol, diesel or LPG and to rely only on official information. Consumers have been encouraged to use digital platforms for LPG bookings, adopt alternate fuels such as PNG and electric cooktops where feasible, and practise energy conservation during the ongoing situation.
Officials reiterated that the government remains fully prepared and committed to ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, energy security and the safety of Indian nationals, while continuing close monitoring of the geopolitical developments in West Asia.
