India activates nationwide energy, maritime and citizen support measures amid Strait of Hormuz disruption

New Delhi, April 4. As tensions escalate in West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, the Government of India has rolled out an extensive, multi-ministerial response to safeguard domestic energy supplies, maritime trade, and the welfare of Indian nationals in the region.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) on April 4 stated that it is taking proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas across the country, while urging citizens to avoid panic buying and rely only on official advisories. People have been encouraged to conserve energy, use digital modes for LPG bookings, and switch to alternatives such as PNG, induction and electric cooktops wherever feasible.

Fuel and LPG supplies under watch

Despite the geopolitical situation affecting LPG imports, the government said there have been no “dry-outs” at LPG distributorships. Around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered in a single day, while online bookings rose to 95 percent. To prevent diversion, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries jumped from 53 percent in February to 89 percent.

Over 3,700 raids were conducted across states and union territories in a day to curb hoarding and black marketing. Public sector oil marketing companies have issued over 1,000 show-cause notices to LPG distributors, suspending 27 distributorships so far.

To ease pressure on LPG demand, kerosene and coal are being offered as alternative fuels. The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited to supply higher quantities of coal to states for distribution to smaller consumers.

The Centre has also permitted refineries and petrochemical complexes to release critical LPG components for priority sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food distribution, based on allocations determined by the Centre for High Technology.

PNG push and gas supply prioritisation

The government is accelerating the transition from LPG to PNG through city gas networks. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has directed city gas distributors to connect residential schools, hostels, community kitchens and anganwadis to PNG within five days where pipeline access exists.

Gas supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport segments remains at 100 percent, while supply to industrial consumers is at 80 percent. Supplies to urea plants will be ramped up to 90 percent of recent average consumption from April 6, alongside a 10 percent boost for other industrial users.

Companies such as Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited are offering incentives for PNG connections. Since March, over 3.5 lakh PNG connections have been activated.

A new order notified under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 aims to fast-track pipeline expansion and last-mile connectivity for natural gas across the country.

Retail fuel prices shielded

With crude prices surging due to the crisis, the Centre has cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre to cushion consumers. An export levy has also been imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure domestic availability.

Retail outlets nationwide remain operational with adequate stocks, though isolated instances of panic buying have been reported.

Kerosene and commercial LPG measures

An additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene have been allocated to states and union territories. Special provisions now allow designated PSU fuel stations to store and distribute PDS kerosene even in kerosene-free states for cooking and lighting.

Commercial LPG allocation has been rationalised to 70 percent of pre-crisis levels. Since March 23, over 5.7 lakh five-kg free trade LPG cylinders have been sold, which can be purchased with any valid ID and without address proof.

States asked to intensify communication

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has written repeatedly to chief secretaries, urging daily press briefings, establishment of control rooms, and strict action against hoarding and misinformation under the LPG Control Order and the Essential Commodities Act. Twenty-one states and union territories are currently conducting regular press briefings.

Maritime trade and seafarer safety

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said Indian maritime trade continues without disruption. The LPG vessel Green Sanvi safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz carrying 46,650 MT of cargo.

The Directorate General of Shipping is operating a 24×7 control room and has so far facilitated the repatriation of over 1,320 Indian seafarers from the region. Seventeen Indian-flagged vessels with 460 Indian crew remain in the western Persian Gulf under close monitoring.

Ports across coastal States continue to function smoothly with no congestion reported.

Assistance to Indian nationals in the region

The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions are operating round-the-clock helplines and coordinating evacuations and transit arrangements amid airspace restrictions.

Indian fishermen stranded in Iran are returning via Armenia. Travel from countries with closed airspace such as Kuwait and Bahrain is being rerouted through Saudi Arabia, while movement from Iran, Israel and Iraq is being facilitated via neighbouring countries.

Since February 28, nearly 6.75 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India. In Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals injured in an attack are receiving assistance, with four already discharged.

The government reiterated that adequate supplies of essential fuels are being maintained and urged citizens to remain calm, avoid rumours and cooperate in conserving energy during the ongoing crisis.