Govt details fuel security, tax steps and citizen support measures amid West Asia crisis

New Delhi, March 27. The government briefed the media here on March 27 on steps being taken to safeguard fuel supplies, maritime operations and the welfare of Indian nationals as the crisis in West Asia continues to disrupt global energy and shipping networks.

Officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs and Information & Broadcasting, along with the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), outlined a series of calibrated measures aimed at ensuring domestic stability.

Tax and duty measures to protect domestic supply

Officials said the surge in global crude prices and volatility in petroleum product markets had created incentives for refiners to export fuels at higher international rates. To prioritise domestic availability, the government has imposed export duties in the form of Special Additional Excise Duty and Road and Infrastructure Cess on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) exports.

Export duty has been set at ₹21.50 per litre on diesel and ₹29.50 per litre on ATF, while no export duty has been levied on petrol due to current market margins. The rates will be reviewed every fortnight.

At the same time, the special additional excise duty component on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption has been reduced by ₹10 per litre to prevent any increase in retail prices for consumers during the crisis.

Refineries, retail outlets operating normally

All refineries are running at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, and domestic LPG production from refineries has been raised by 40 percent. Petrol pumps and retail outlets across the country are functioning normally, officials said, urging citizens not to fall for rumours that had triggered panic buying in some areas.

The government has also directed refiners to divert a portion of export volumes to the domestic market and imposed levies to ensure sufficient in-country availability of fuels.

Push for PNG, CGD expansion and LPG management

Priority allocation of natural gas continues for PNG and CNG transport, while industrial supply is being maintained at around 80 percent of normal levels. City gas distribution (CGD) entities have been advised to fast-track PNG connections for commercial establishments, with regulatory bodies and ministries streamlining approvals and right of way permissions to accelerate expansion.

Commercial LPG allocations, initially reduced, have now been progressively restored to 70 percent of pre-crisis levels with priority to key sectors such as food services, industry and community kitchens. Additional kerosene allocations have also been made to states as an alternative fuel.

States asked to act against hoarding, misinformation

Under the Essential Commodities Act and LPG Control Order, states have been asked to intensify enforcement against hoarding and black marketing. More than 3,000 raids have already been conducted, with over 1,500 LPG cylinders seized and hundreds of notices issued to distributors.

States have also been requested to issue regular public advisories, set up control rooms and counter misinformation circulating on social media.

Maritime safety and seafarer welfare

Officials from the shipping ministry said Indian-flagged vessels and seafarers in the Persian Gulf region remain safe. The Directorate General of Shipping’s 24×7 control room has handled thousands of calls and emails, facilitating the repatriation of hundreds of seafarers.

Ports across India are operating smoothly with no congestion, and close coordination is being maintained with maritime stakeholders to ensure continuity of trade.

Assistance to Indian nationals abroad

The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian Missions across the Gulf and West Asia are operating round the clock. Special control rooms have been set up, and alternative travel routes are being arranged for stranded nationals due to airspace restrictions.

Around 4.75 lakh passengers have returned to India since February 28. Missions are also assisting students, coordinating with education boards, and facilitating examination arrangements. The government confirmed casualties involving Indian nationals and said missions were assisting families with repatriation and support.

Public advisory

The government reiterated that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel or LPG in the country and urged citizens to avoid panic buying. People have been encouraged to rely only on official information, conserve energy, and consider alternate fuels such as PNG and electric cooking options.

Officials emphasised that the situation is being closely monitored and further measures will be taken as necessary to maintain energy security, supply stability and public confidence.