Govt Intensifies Fuel, Maritime and Citizen Protection Measures Amid Escalating West Asia Crisis

The government stressed that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or natural gas supplies in the country and urged citizens to avoid panic buying and misinformation.

As geopolitical tensions in West Asia continue to evolve, the Government of India has launched a sweeping multi-ministerial response to safeguard national energy security, stabilise fuel supplies, protect Indian citizens abroad and maintain uninterrupted maritime and transport operations across the country.

In a high-level media briefing held at the National Media Centre, senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Ministry of External Affairs outlined a series of emergency preparedness measures, strategic fuel management interventions and international coordination efforts aimed at minimising the impact of the ongoing regional crisis on India's economy and citizens.

The government stressed that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or natural gas supplies in the country and urged citizens to avoid panic buying and misinformation.

India Activates Massive Energy Security Response

The briefing revealed one of the largest coordinated fuel supply stabilisation efforts undertaken in recent years as India moves to protect critical sectors from disruptions caused by volatility in global oil and gas markets.

Officials confirmed that despite the Middle East crisis, the government has ensured:

• 100% supply of Domestic LPG

• 100% supply of Domestic PNG

• 100% supply of CNG for transport

• Continued nationwide petrol and diesel availability

• Full operational status of all fuel retail outlets

Authorities urged the public not to engage in panic purchases of petrol, diesel or LPG cylinders.

"Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Government is making all efforts to ensure availability," officials said.

The government also warned citizens against relying on rumours and fake news circulating on social media, urging the public to follow only official updates.

Fuel Conservation and Alternative Energy Push

In a major strategic move, the government has launched an aggressive push toward alternative fuels and energy conservation to reduce pressure on LPG demand during the crisis period.

Citizens have been encouraged to:

• Use PNG connections where available

• Shift to electric and induction cooktops

• Conserve energy in daily household use

• Use digital LPG booking platforms instead of visiting distributors

The government has also expanded the availability of alternative fuels such as kerosene and coal to ease stress on domestic LPG supplies.

Meanwhile, Coal India and Singareni Collieries have been directed to provide additional coal supplies to states for distribution to small and medium consumers.

Massive Enforcement Crackdown on Hoarding and Black Marketing

Authorities disclosed that a nationwide enforcement operation is underway to crack down on hoarding, black marketing and illegal diversion of LPG supplies.

In just one day:

• More than 2,100 raids were conducted nationwide

• 366 LPG distributorships were penalised

• 75 LPG distributorships were suspended

State governments and Union Territories have also established control rooms and district monitoring committees to monitor fuel supplies and prevent illegal activities.

The government said daily enforcement drives and inspections are continuing in coordination with Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).

Digital Transformation Driving LPG Supply Stability

The crisis has accelerated the government's digital fuel distribution systems to improve transparency and reduce leakages.

Officials revealed that:

• Online LPG cylinder bookings have risen to nearly 99%

• DAC (Delivery Authentication Code)-based deliveries now exceed 95%

The DAC system, which sends authentication codes to consumers' registered mobile numbers, is designed to prevent diversion and unauthorised distribution of LPG cylinders.

During the last two days alone:

• More than 87.28 lakh LPG cylinders were delivered

• Against bookings of approximately 88.82 lakh cylinders

Special Measures for Migrant Workers and Essential Sectors

The government has prioritised fuel access for hospitals, educational institutions and key industrial sectors including:

• Pharmaceuticals

• Steel

• Automobile manufacturing

• Agriculture

• Seed production

In a major welfare measure, supplies of 5 Kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders for migrant labourers have been doubled beyond previous allocation limits.

Over the last two days:

• Around 1.2 lakh 5 Kg cylinders were sold

• More than 10,400 awareness camps were organised nationwide

• Over 1.84 lakh 5 Kg cylinders were distributed since April 3, 2026

India Accelerates PNG Expansion in Historic Clean Energy Push

One of the most significant announcements involved India's accelerated transition toward piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure as part of a broader energy security and clean energy strategy.

Key developments include:

• Expansion of gas allocations to industrial sectors up to 80%

• Enhanced gas supply to fertiliser plants up to 98%

• Fast-tracked PNG approvals for hotels, restaurants and commercial establishments

• Incentives offered by IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL for PNG adoption

The government has also introduced major regulatory reforms to speed up gas infrastructure development nationwide.

Under a new Gazette notification issued on March 24, 2026, the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order provides a streamlined framework for pipeline expansion and natural gas connectivity across India.

Officials said the reform is expected to:

• Accelerate PNG network growth

• Improve last-mile connectivity

• Strengthen India's gas-based economy

• Enhance long-term energy security

Since March 2026:

• About 6.31 lakh PNG connections have already been activated

• Infrastructure for another 2.67 lakh connections has been completed

• Nearly 6.93 lakh additional consumers have registered for new connections

Meanwhile, more than 49,200 consumers have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections in favour of PNG via the MYPNGD.in platform.

Petrol and Diesel Prices Protected Despite Global Oil Surge

Despite abnormal increases in global crude oil prices triggered by the West Asia conflict, the government confirmed that petrol and diesel prices at PSU retail outlets remain unchanged.

To shield consumers from global price shocks, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.

"All retail outlets are operating normally across the country," officials confirmed.

Refineries are reportedly operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories and increased domestic LPG production.

Maritime Operations and Indian Seafarers Protected

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said maritime operations remain stable despite tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

Officials confirmed:

• No incidents involving Indian vessels in the past 48 hours

• All Indian seafarers in the region remain safe

• No disruptions reported at Indian ports

The Directorate General of Shipping control room has:

• Handled 8,570 calls

• Processed more than 18,732 emails since activation

The government has also facilitated the safe repatriation of over 2,999 Indian seafarers from Gulf regions, including 23 in the last 48 hours.

India Intensifies Citizen Protection Measures Across West Asia

The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian embassies and consulates across West Asia remain on 24-hour operational footing to support Indian nationals.

The government confirmed:

• UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain open

• Flights continue operating from Saudi Arabia and Oman

• Qatar airspace is partially open with ongoing commercial operations

• Limited operations have resumed in Israel and Iraq

• Iran remains partially open for cargo and charter flights only

The government has advised Indian nationals to avoid travel to Iran and urged those currently in the country to leave via land border routes.

So far:

• The Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the evacuation of 2,520 Indian nationals from Iran through land routes

Officials said additional flights are continuing to operate from Gulf countries to India as the regional situation stabilises gradually.

Government Calls for Calm and National Cooperation

The Centre reiterated that India's energy, transport and supply-chain systems remain operational and stable despite global geopolitical uncertainty.

Authorities called on citizens to:

• Avoid panic buying

• Conserve energy

• Follow official advisories

• Ignore misinformation

• Cooperate with local authorities

The government said inter-ministerial coordination and real-time monitoring mechanisms will continue operating round-the-clock to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability, maritime safety and citizen welfare during the evolving regional crisis.