New Delhi, Apr 23: Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors.
Energy Supply and Fuel Availability
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that:
Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness
Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.
Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.
LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.
Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.
All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation.
Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures
Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport).
For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026.
The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.
The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.
States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.
Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms
State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing.
Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs.
The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability.
Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized:
To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.
To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.
To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs
To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs
To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.
To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.
To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability.
All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.
Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs.
Enforcement and Monitoring Actions
Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 2600 raids were conducted, wherein about 285 cylinders were seized across the country.
Cumulatively, till date more than 1.5 Lakh raids have been conducted, and more than 66,000 cylinders have been seized across the country. Further, more than 1100 FIRs have been registered, and 255 persons have been arrested.
PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 298 LPG distributorships, and 70 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday.
LPG Supply
Domestic LPG Supply Status:
LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.
Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized.
No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to 98% on industry basis yesterday.
Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 94% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.
On 22.04.2026, more than 52 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered.
Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:
Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.
The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Since 1st April 2026, more than 17 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
Yesterday, more than 86,000 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold across the country.
Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 8200 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,27,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold.
Yesterday, 7877 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 320 camps.
A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution in the States/UTs.
During the month of April-26 (till 22.04.26), a total of 1,40,362 MT (Equivalent to more than 73.87 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold.
On 22.04.2026, 8483 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 4.46 Lakh – 19 Kg cylinders) was sold.
Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives
Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.
The overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants has been enhanced to approximately 95% of their six-month average consumption.
Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%.
CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG.
CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks.
The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.
22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an ‘Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines’ as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority.
The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.
PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.
To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG.
MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure.
Since March 2026, about 5.18 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.58 lakh connections, taking the total to 7.76 lakh connections. Further, about 5.87 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.
Till 21.04.2026, more than 41,000 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website.
Crude Position and Refinery Operations
All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.
Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT).
Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies.
Since 9th April 2026, more than 6300 MT of propylene has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi and Mathura refineries to Chemical and Pharma Industry.
Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures
Retail outlets across the country are operating normally.
The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.
Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 11.04.2026 has increased the export levy on diesel to Rs. 55.50 per litre and on ATF to Rs. 42 per litre, to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market.
Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets.
Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures
An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation.
18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement.
Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, detailing the measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that:
In the past 24 hours, some incidents of firing on foreign-flagged vessels have been reported in the Strait of Hormuz involving Indian seafarers. All seafarers on board both vessels are safe.
a. Vessel Euphoria, a container ship flagged with Panama has 21 Indian seafarers onboard. All of them are safe.
b. Vessel Epaminondas, a container ship flagged with Panama has 1 Indian seafarer onboard. He is safe.
All Indian seafarers in the region are safe.
Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April 2026. The vessel, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, reached Mumbai on 22 April 2026.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.
DG Shipping Control Room Update: The Control Room has handled 7,403 calls and more than 15,639 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 161 calls and 320 emails have been received.
The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,680 Indian seafarers so far, including 65 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.
Port Operations: Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported.
Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:
Dedicated special control rooms in the Ministry of External Affairs are operational and are working in coordination with Indian missions.
The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.
Indian Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local Governments.
Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support our community.
Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. Ambassadors are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, an Indian companies to address their concerns.
Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting for requests to return to India.
The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India. Since 28 February, around 12,12,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.
In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected today between UAE and India.
Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights to various destinations in India.
Kuwait airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.
Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India.
Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
Iran airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. So far, 2428 Indian nationals have moved out of Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan. This includes 1096 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen.
Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
