India maintains fuel stability, intensifies evacuations and maritime vigil amid West Asia crisis

New Delhi, March 24. The Centre on March 24 said India’s fuel supplies remain stable and maritime operations are functioning smoothly despite disruptions caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, even as coordinated efforts continue to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region.

At an inter-ministerial briefing here, officials from the petroleum, shipping and external affairs ministries outlined a comprehensive response spanning energy security, shipping operations and evacuation efforts.

Fuel supplies stable, refineries running at full capacity

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that all refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories, ensuring uninterrupted availability of petrol and diesel. Domestic LPG production has also been stepped up compared to pre-crisis levels.

While fuel retail outlets are functioning normally across the country, the government acknowledged instances of panic buying triggered by rumours, urging citizens to avoid unnecessary purchases and rely on official updates.

In the natural gas sector, priority supplies are being maintained, including full allocation for domestic piped natural gas (PNG) and CNG transport. Supplies to industrial users are being maintained at around 80 percent of normal levels. Authorities are also pushing for rapid expansion of city gas distribution networks, with over 7,500 new PNG connections activated in a single day across key regions.

LPG supply under strain, government boosts allocation

Sharma said LPG supplies have been affected by the geopolitical situation, though no shortages have been reported at distribution points. Deliveries continue normally despite a marginal rise in bookings.

To ease pressure, the government has increased commercial LPG allocations to states up to 50 percent, prioritising key sectors such as hospitality, food processing and community kitchens. Additional kerosene supplies have also been released, while coal availability has been enhanced to support small and medium consumers.

States have been encouraged to promote a gradual shift from LPG to PNG, particularly for commercial users, with incentives offered by major gas companies.

Crackdown on hoarding and black marketing

The Centre has directed states to step up enforcement under the Essential Commodities Act to curb hoarding and black marketing. In the past 24 hours alone, about 3,400 raids were conducted, leading to the seizure of nearly 1,000 LPG cylinders, registration of over 600 FIRs and multiple arrests.

Most states and union territories have set up control rooms and district-level monitoring committees, while daily inspections and public advisories are being carried out to maintain supply discipline.

Maritime operations normal, Indian vessels closely monitored

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours.

Two LPG carriers recently crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to India with cargo, while around 20 Indian-flagged vessels with over 500 seafarers remain in the region under close monitoring by the Directorate General of Shipping.

India’s ports continue to function without congestion, with additional storage capacity created at major facilities to handle cargo efficiently. A 24×7 control room is actively coordinating with stakeholders and has handled thousands of calls and emails since the crisis began. More than 585 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far.

Massive evacuation effort underway

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said the safety of Indian nationals remains the top priority, with missions across West Asia operating round the clock.

Since the crisis began on February 28, over four lakh Indians have returned home, supported by special flight operations and transit arrangements through countries such as Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Jordan. While some regional airspaces remain closed, alternative routes are being used to facilitate travel.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has been in touch with key global counterparts, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, to discuss the broader economic and energy implications of the conflict. He has also engaged with Gulf diplomats to ensure continued support for the Indian community.

Public advisory issued

The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying of fuel and LPG, use digital booking platforms and adopt alternative energy options such as PNG and electric cooking. It also called for energy conservation during the ongoing crisis.

Officials emphasised that coordinated action between the Centre and states, along with proactive public cooperation, remains crucial to maintaining stability as the situation in West Asia continues to evolve.