India assures fuel security, maritime stability and citizen safety amid West Asia tensions
New Delhi, March 18. Senior officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs have said India remains well-prepared to handle the evolving situation in West Asia, assuring adequate fuel supplies, smooth maritime operations, and continued support for Indian nationals in the region.
At a joint media briefing held here on March 18, officials said such interactions would continue regularly to keep the public informed about developments, particularly in light of disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Fuel supply remains stable
The government stressed that India’s energy security remains intact despite the geopolitical tensions. All refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude stocks, and domestic production is adequate to meet petrol and diesel demand without imports.
To cushion any disruptions, domestic LPG output from refineries has been increased by around 40 percent. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, also confirmed that there have been no fuel shortages at retail outlets, urging citizens to avoid panic buying.
In the natural gas sector, priority supplies continue uninterrupted for households and transport, while industrial and commercial users are receiving around 80 percent of their usual allocations. The government is actively encouraging a shift from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG), with companies such as Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited offering incentives for new connections.
The government is also pushing states and union territories to fast-track city gas distribution networks by simplifying approvals, reducing charges, and appointing nodal officers. Additional LPG allocations have been linked to reforms that promote PNG adoption.
LPG and kerosene supply under watch
Officials said LPG supplies remain steady nationwide, with no shortages reported at distributorships. Online bookings have surged to 93 percent, and delivery authentication systems have been expanded to curb diversion.
To ease pressure on LPG demand, the Centre has allocated an additional 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states and union territories. Authorities are also promoting alternative fuels, including PNG, electricity and induction cooktops.
State governments have stepped up enforcement against hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act. Oil marketing companies have conducted over 2,300 surprise inspections across retail outlets and LPG agencies.
Maritime operations continue smoothly
Providing an update on shipping activity in the Persian Gulf, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said all Indian seafarers remain safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours.
Currently, 22 Indian-flagged ships with over 600 seafarers are operating in the region under close monitoring by the Directorate General of Shipping. LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are continuing cargo discharge as scheduled.
Ports across India are functioning normally, with no congestion reported. Sinha said created additional storage capacity has been created, including at Visakhapatnam, and that container backlogs at Jawaharlal Nehru Port have reduced significantly.
A 24×7 control room has been handling thousands of calls and emails, while over 470 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far.
Assistance to Indian nationals intensified
Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said the safety and welfare of Indians in West Asia remains the government’s top priority. Indian missions across the region are operating round the clock, providing assistance to students, workers and stranded travellers.
Indian nationals in Iran are being assisted in crossing land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan, while students in cities such as Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz have been relocated to safer areas.
Since late February, around 2.6 lakh passengers have returned to India, with flight operations gradually improving across the region. Connectivity to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar is stabilising, though restrictions remain in some countries.
In a related development, the Prime Minister spoke with President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, condemning recent attacks in the Gulf country and stressing the importance of maintaining safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Government urges calm
The government urged citizens to rely on official information and avoid rumours or panic-driven actions. Consumers were advised to use digital platforms for LPG bookings and conserve energy wherever possible.
Officials reiterated that close coordination is being maintained among ministries, state governments and agencies to safeguard critical sectors and ensure continuity in supplies, trade and public services amid the evolving West Asia situation.
