Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Government of India has initiated a series of wide-ranging measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply, stabilise industrial operations and safeguard Indian nationals abroad. The updates were shared during an inter-ministerial briefing, where officials from key ministries outlined coordinated efforts to manage the evolving situation.
The government emphasized that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG, urging citizens to avoid panic buying. Authorities confirmed that domestic LPG, PNG and CNG supplies are being maintained at full capacity, while commercial LPG allocation has been increased to nearly 70% of pre-crisis levels. To strengthen fuel availability, more than 467 applications for CNG and CBG stations have been processed on priority since late March, significantly accelerating the expansion of gas infrastructure. Additionally, approvals have been granted for 41 biogas plants, promoting cleaner fuel adoption, while temporary regulatory relaxations for LPG unloading, kerosene storage and LNG filling have been introduced to ensure smooth last-mile distribution.
In parallel, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has rolled out multiple interventions aimed at maintaining supply chain continuity and supporting key industries. Customs duties on critical raw materials for sectors such as paint, paper, tyre, and leather have been reduced to zero to address shortages. Industrial LPG allocation has been increased, and PNG supply has been ensured for sectors like glass and ceramics. The government has also promoted the use of alternate fuels, including LNG and Dimethyl Ether, while encouraging industries to adopt energy-efficient practices and diversify fuel usage to reduce dependence on traditional oil sources.
The push toward cleaner energy has also gained momentum, with significant progress reported in the expansion of piped natural gas connections. Since March 2026, over 5.10 lakh new PNG connections have been activated, while infrastructure has been developed for an additional 2.56 lakh connections. At the same time, nearly 5.77 lakh consumers have registered for new connections, indicating growing adoption of cleaner energy alternatives. Gas distribution companies are offering incentives to accelerate this transition, and states have been encouraged to prioritize PNG over LPG to strengthen long-term energy security.
To prevent hoarding and black marketing, enforcement actions have been intensified across the country. Authorities recently conducted more than 3,200 raids, seizing around 285 LPG cylinders and taking action against multiple distributorships through penalties and suspensions. State governments have been empowered under existing laws to closely monitor supply and ensure fair distribution of essential commodities.
On the maritime front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf region remain safe, with no recent incidents involving Indian vessels. The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima, carrying 31 Indian crew members, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to arrive in Mumbai safely. The Directorate General of Shipping has also facilitated the repatriation of more than 2,600 Indian seafarers, while dedicated control rooms continue to handle thousands of distress calls and communications.
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments closely and has activated round-the-clock control rooms to assist Indian nationals in the region. Since late February, over 11.91 lakh passengers have travelled from West Asia to India, supported by ongoing flight operations from countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, despite airspace restrictions in some areas. Indian missions abroad remain actively engaged with local authorities and the Indian community to provide assistance, advisories and welfare support.
The government has reiterated its advisory urging citizens to avoid panic buying, rely on official sources for information, use digital platforms for LPG bookings and adopt energy conservation practices in daily life. Overall, despite global uncertainties, authorities have assured that India’s energy supply remains stable and that proactive steps are being taken to maintain economic stability and protect citizens during the ongoing crisis.
