TFP Bureau, New Delhi, April 4, 2026: The Government of India has announced a series of measures to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies, safeguard maritime operations, and extend assistance to Indian nationals in the region amid the evolving situation in West Asia. Authorities have emphasized preparedness and coordination across multiple sectors to prevent disruptions in fuel availability and trade.<\/p>\n
Officials said that adequate arrangements have been made to maintain the supply of petrol, diesel and LPG across the country despite challenges arising from developments around the Strait of Hormuz. Citizens have been advised not to indulge in panic buying and to rely only on official information regarding fuel supplies.<\/p>\n
According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, LPG distributors across the country are making 5-kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders available to consumers on presentation of a valid identity card, without requiring address proof. More than 71,000 such cylinders were sold in a single day, while around 5.7 lakh cylinders have been distributed since March 23 to ensure easy access to cooking fuel for migrant workers and other consumers.<\/p>\n
The government has also intensified action against hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Over 3,700 raids were conducted across various states and Union Territories in a single day. Oil Marketing Companies have issued more than 1,000 show-cause notices to LPG distributors suspected of irregularities, while 27 distributorships have been suspended so far.<\/p>\n
Officials said that domestic LPG supply continues to remain stable despite global uncertainties, with around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders delivered across the country in a single day. Online bookings accounted for nearly 95 percent of the total LPG bookings, reflecting a growing shift toward digital services.<\/p>\n
To strengthen monitoring and prevent diversion of LPG cylinders, deliveries authenticated through the Delivery Authentication Code system have increased significantly\u2014from 53 percent in February 2026 to nearly 89 percent recently.<\/p>\n
Natural gas supply has also been prioritised for key sectors. The government said 100 percent supply is being maintained for domestic PNG consumers and transport CNG networks. Supply to industries connected through the gas grid is currently about 80 percent of their average consumption.<\/p>\n
Gas supply to operating urea plants is presently around 70\u201375 percent of their six-month average consumption and is expected to increase to nearly 90 percent from April 6, ensuring adequate fertilizer production for the agriculture sector.<\/p>\n
In parallel, the government has accelerated the expansion of piped natural gas infrastructure. Since March 2026, more than 3.5 lakh new PNG connections have been activated, while another 3.8 lakh consumers have registered for new connections. Gas distribution companies have also offered incentives to encourage households and commercial establishments to adopt PNG as an alternative to LPG.<\/p>\n
All refineries in the country are currently operating at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories in place. Domestic LPG production has been increased to support consumption needs, while petrol pumps across the country continue to function normally with adequate stocks.<\/p>\n
In response to rising global crude prices caused by geopolitical tensions, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by \u20b910 per litre to shield consumers from price spikes. Additionally, export levies have been imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure adequate availability in the domestic market.<\/p>\n
The government has also made additional allocations of kerosene to states and Union Territories. About 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene have been allocated over and above the regular supply to provide an alternative cooking and lighting fuel where necessary.<\/p>\n
Maritime authorities have been closely monitoring shipping activity and ensuring the safety of Indian vessels and seafarers operating in the Gulf region. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels were reported in the last 24 hours.<\/p>\n
An LPG vessel named Green Sanvi safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 25 seafarers on board. At present, 17 Indian-flagged vessels with around 460 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region under continuous monitoring.<\/p>\n
The Directorate General of Shipping has also facilitated the repatriation of more than 1,320 Indian seafarers so far, including about 190 individuals in the past 24 hours from various Gulf locations.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions across the region are operating round-the-clock helplines and providing assistance to Indian nationals. A special control room has been established to coordinate evacuation support, visa facilitation and travel arrangements through neighbouring countries where airspace restrictions exist.<\/p>\n
Officials said that the safety and welfare of Indian citizens in West Asia remain the government\u2019s top priority. Indian missions are maintaining constant contact with community organisations, students and workers, while also assisting stranded travellers and seafarers.<\/p>\n
Authorities reiterated that the situation is being monitored closely and assured citizens that adequate measures are in place to ensure energy security, maritime safety and uninterrupted supply of essential fuels across the country.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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