Senior officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of External Affairs addressed the media today at the National Media Centre, as part of the ongoing inter-ministerial briefings on developments in West Asia. These briefings are being held regularly to provide timely updates on the evolving situation. During today’s interaction, comprehensive inputs were shared on the status of fuel supply, maritime operations, and efforts being undertaken to support Indian nationals in the region, along with the measures in place to ensure continued stability across these sectors.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

An update on the fuel supply situation, along with measures being undertaken to maintain uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in light of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, was provided during the briefing by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The Ministry noted:

Crude and Refineries

· All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.

· Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased compared to pre-crisis levels.

Retail Outlets

· No cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by Oil Marketing Companies, and supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly.

· Citizens are advised not to resort to panic buying as adequate stocks are available.

Natural Gas

· Priority sectors continue to receive protected supplies, including 100% supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport, while supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at around 80%.

· City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments, with incentives offered by companies such as IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL.

· The Government of India vide letter date 16.03.2026 has requested Government of States/UTs to expedite approval of applications required for expansion of CGD network.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.

· Ministry has received application from Government of Rajasthan vide letter 19.03.2026 and Government of MP vide letter dated 20.03.2026 has stated that the State Government has taken significant steps w.r.t reforms for promoting CGD and transition to PNG and their proposals are under examination.

· The Government of India have requested all concerned Central Government Ministries for fast tracking and disposal of all pending and new permissions related to CGD infrastructure.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 20.03.2026 has requested all Central Government Ministries to undertake a comprehensive assessment of potential demand for PNG connections in establishments under various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and to designate a nodal officer from each Ministry/Department to coordinate this exercise.

· In response to above Government of India letter, Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) has advised all its offices to dispose off CGD applications on priority i.e., within 10 days of receipt.

· Commercial LPG consumers in the major cities and urban area have been requested to switch to PNG.

· More than 3.5 Lakh Domestic and Commercial PNG connections have been issued/activated during first 3 weeks of March 2026 by CGD entities.

LPG

· LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation.

· No dry-outs have been reported at distributorships.

· Panic bookings have reduced significantly, and domestic LPG cylinder deliveries continue as normal.

· The Government of India had already restored Partial Commercial LPG supply (20%) to consumers. Further, Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 had proposed to allocate additional 10% of Commercial LPG to States/UTs based on ease of doing business reforms for PNG expansion.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 21.03.2026 has allowed another 20% allocation of commercial LPG to States, which would take overall allocation to 50% (incl. 10% allocation based on ease of doing reforms for PNG expansion). This additional 20% allocation shall be given on priority to sectors like restaurants, dhabas, hotels, industrial canteens, food processing/dairy, subsidised canteens/outlets run by State Government or local bodies for food, community kitchens, 5 Kg FTL for migrant labourers.

· 20 States/UTs have issued orders to allocate the Non-domestic LPG in line with the guidelines issued by the Government of India. For rest of the States/UTs, PSU Oil Marketing companies are releasing Commercial LPG cylinders. A total of around 15,842 MT has been uplifted during since 14^th March 2026 by commercial entities in the States/UTs.

Kerosene

· An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States and UTs, which have been requested to identify distribution points.

· 15 States and UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement. As on date, 17 States/UTs are yet to issue SKO allocation orders.

Role of State Governments / UTs

· State Governments and UTs are responsible for monitoring supply under the Essential Commodities Act and LPG Control Order and have been advised to maintain vigilance against hoarding and black marketing.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 13.03.2026 and 18.03.2026 has requested all States/UTs

Ø To maintain strict vigilance so as to curb hoarding, black marketing, diversion of domestic LPG and other malpractices.

Ø To take stringent action against violators under the provisions of Essential Commodities Act, 1955, Petroleum Act, 1934, Petroleum Rules 2002, Motor Spirit and HSD order 2005 and other applicable laws.

Ø To evolve appropriate distribution methodologies for commercial LPG, keeping in view local priorities and requirements.

Ø To issue public advisories to prevent panic buying, encourage judicious use of LPG and dissemination of accurate information.

· All District Collectors and Food and Civil Supplies (FC&S officials) are requested to conduct regular enforcement actions on daily basis.

· 32 States/UTs have setup control rooms. Many of the States/UTs are doing daily press briefs also.

· 33 States/UTs have setup District Level Monitoring Committee.

· All those States/UTs who have not setup Control rooms and District Monitoring committees are requested to do so on urgent basis.

Enforcement action

· Enforcement actions continue across States to curb hoarding and black marketing, with about 2,400 raids conducted and over 800 cylinders seized in the past 24 hours.

· Major actions have been reported in Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, including seizures, FIRs and arrests.

· PSU Oil Marketing Companies have conducted over 2,600 surprise inspections at Retail Outlets and LPG distributorships, across the country over the weekend.

· So far, around 550 FIRs have been registered and about 150 people arrested.

Other Government Measures

· The Government continues to prioritise uninterrupted LPG supply and PNG expansion, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.

· Measures include enhanced refinery production, revised booking intervals from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritised allocation.

· Alternate fuel options like Kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand.

· Ministry of Coal has already issued order to Coal India and Singareni Coallieries to allot higher quantities to States for distributing coal to small, medium and other consumers.

· States have been advised to facilitate PNG connections for both domestic and commercial consumers.

Public Advisory

· Citizens are advised to rely on official sources and avoid rumours.

· Consumers are requested to avoid panic bookings, use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting LPG distributors.

· Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops and to conserve energy.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shared an update on the current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, along with measures being taken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew. The Ministry stated that:

• All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no shipping incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
• There has been no change in vessel deployment over the past 48 hours, with 22 Indian-flagged vessels and around 600 Indian seafarers currently in the western Persian Gulf region. 11 seafarers have signed off and are being repatriated as per standard procedures.
• The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.
• The DG Shipping Control Room remains operational 24×7 and has handled 3,730 calls and 7,058 emails since activation, including 60 calls and 129 emails in the past 24 hours and 180 calls and 310 emails over the last 48 hours.
• DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 547 Indian seafarers so far, including 13 in the past 24 hours and 34 over the last 48 hours.
• India’s maritime sector continues to operate smoothly with no congestion reported across ports, as confirmed by State Maritime Boards including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Keralam, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry.
• Ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and cargo operations, with additional capacity already created at key ports such as Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA), Visakhapatnam Port, Mundra, Deendayal Port Authority and New Mangalore Port Authority (NMPA).
• Additional storage and handling capacity has been created, including around 40,000 sq. m. backup storage at Chennai Port Authority and capacity for about 2,500 Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit (TEUs) at Cochin Port Authority to manage cargo flow and reduce congestion.

· The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to monitor shipping movements, port operations, safety of seafarers and continuity of maritime trade in view of the evolving situation in West Asia.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

Updates on recent developments in the region, including ongoing assistance and outreach being extended through Indian Missions, were shared during the briefing. It was informed that:

• Prime Minister has been speaking to world leaders on the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region.
• On Saturday, he spoke with President of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. He expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.
• Prime Minister condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains.
• PM reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.
• He appreciated Iran’s continued support for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran.
• The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and the Gulf region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority.
• A dedicated MEA control room remains operational, with continuous coordination with State Governments and Union Territories.
• Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, maintaining helplines, engaging with the wide array of Indian community organisations and issuing updated advisories.
• Missions remain in close contact with host Governments and continue to assist seafarers, students, stranded Indian nationals and short-term visitors with visa facilitation, consular services and logistical support.
• Since 28 February, around 3,75,000 passengers have returned from the region to India, with overall flight operations continuing to improve.
• In the UAE, limited non-scheduled flights continue, with around 95 flights expected today to India.
• Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to India.
• Qatar airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways expected to operate around 8–10 non-scheduled flights to India today.
• Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait is operating flights to various destinations in India from the Al Qaisumah Airport (AQI) in Saudi Arabia. Gulf Air of Bahrain also continues to operate special non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport of Saudi Arabia to India.
• Transit of Indian nationals continues to be facilitated via Saudi Arabia for those in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq.
• Indian nationals in Iran continue to be assisted for travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan, with 1,031 Indians including 707 students and 324 Indian citizens having crossed over so far.
• Indian students in Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have been relocated to safer locations within Iran.
• Indian nationals in Israel are being facilitated to travel to India via Jordan.

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MN