New Delhi, Apr 8: The Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, took stock of India’s readiness in view of the recent developments in West Asia during its third meeting at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman; Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar; Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal; Minister of Chemicals and FertilisersJagat Prakash Nadda; Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri; Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Prahlad Joshi; Minister of Railways, Information and Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw; Minister of Parliamentary Affairs KirenRijiju; Minister of Civil Aviation KinjarapuRammohan Naidu, and Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh attended the meeting.
In his remarks, the Defence Minister directed all departments to continue focusing on preparedness, coordination, and resilience building to stay ready to deal with any eventuality.
In a post on X, he said that the government was ensuring continued availability of LPG, petrol and diesel, fertilisers for farmers and facilitating supply of essential commodities in the country.
“The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been doing exceptional work in safeguarding the citizens from the impact of the conflict,” he said.
The iGoM was informed that India has ensured the evacuation of the highest number of vessels than any other country, from the Strait of Hormuz over the past 40 days.
It was told that a total of 8 LPG vessels, carrying approximately 340TM, equivalent to around 11 days of India’s import requirement have successfully transited the Strait, reinforcing the country’s energy security and supply stability.
It was informed that there have been no reports of dry-out at LPG distributorships, and delivery of domestic LPG cylinders continues despite all across the country.
The IGoM was told that to support the vulnerable communities including migrant labourers, the supply of 5 kg Free Trade LPG cylinders had been doubled beyond the 20 percent allocation earmarked for priority segments on April 7.
It was informed that the oil PSU retail pump outlets continue to dispense auto LPG to support the public transportation requirements.
It was told that some supply constraints were being faced by private operators due to their procurement challenges, causing increased footfall in PSU outlets.
The IGoM was informed that a major decision was taken on Wednesday to further ease supply of LPG to industrial segments by allocating 70 percent of fuel demand to non-domestic bulk consumers with supply prioritised for key sectors such as pharma, food, polymers, agriculture, packaging, paints, steel, and defence-related materials. It was told that this measure is expected to prevent supply-chain disruptions, avoid shortages of essential goods, and ensure continuity of industrial operations despite the ongoing global crisis.
The meeting was informed that the Piped Natural Gas (PNG) was being actively promoted wherever feasible.
It was told that owing to the increased awareness from the PNG connection campaign launched to reduce LPG dependence, 3.16 lakh new PNG connections were added, representing a three fold increase over March 2025 levels.
The IGoM was informed that the campaign has also resulted in the surrender of over 16,700 LPG connections by citizens, indicating a growing shift toward PNG adoption.
It was also briefed about the easing in energy prices in the light of the ceasefire. The ministers were informed that key sectoral parameters will continue to be closely monitored and appropriate measures will be taken.
The IGoM was also apprised about the adequate measures taken by the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
Food Security Preparedness
It was told that adequate buffer stocks of rice and wheat are available, ensuring sufficient supply for PDS as well as to meet any emergency requirements and that the National Food Security Act ensures continued access to foodgrains for vulnerable populations.
Market Intervention: OMSS (D)
The meeting was informed that the government monitors foodgrain prices and, when necessary, undertakes market intervention through OMSS (D).
It was told that the Food Corporation of India (FCI) releases surplus wheat and rice in the open market to augment supply, stabilise prices, and contain inflation.
The IGoM was told that adequate stocks are available with FCI for such interventions.
It was informed that the scheme also enables the sale of rice to the state governments at subsidised fixed prices for additional requirements.
Procurement: RMS 2026-27
The meeting was told that the procurement of wheat under MSP operations had started, primarily through state government agencies.
It was informed that the department was regularly reviewing preparedness in coordination with etates and that adequate packaging material was being ensured for procurement operations.
Foodgrain Packaging
The IGoM was informed that proactive steps had been taken to ensure the availability of packaging materials during RMS 2026-27.
It was told that the department, in consultation with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, was diversifying packaging sources and maintaining contingency measures to address any shortfall.
Edible Oil Scenario
The meeting was informed that the domestic availability of edible oils remains comfortable despite global uncertainties. Imports from key partners (Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, Brazil) continue steadily. It was told that improved mustard production had strengthened domestic supply.
The IGoM was informed that the overall supply remains stable; the Government continues close monitoring and will intervene if required.
Sugar Sector
It was told that adequate sugar buffer stock was available and sugar production in 2025-26 was expected to remain sufficient.
The meeting was informed that 15.80 lakh metric tonnes of sugar had been permitted for export, with 3.73 LMT exported so far. The IGoM was told that exports were primarily to Sri Lanka, West Asia, and East Africa.
It was informed that retail prices remain stable, with low inflation (3 percent) over the past three years.
The ministers were told that the Department of Consumer Affairs was monitoring the daily prices of 40 food commodities reported from 578 centres across the country.
It was told that price trends were closely monitored for unusual volatility consequent to the outbreak of war in the Middle East.
The IGoM was informed that till now, no unusual volatility was observed and prices were stable for most commodities, except moderate increase in prices of edible oils.
It was told that domestic production of mustard oil was expected to improve with 5 percent higher output, partially offsetting import dependence.
It was informed that procurement of onion for price stabilisation buffer would begin shortly, which would provide support to the mandi prices.
The IGoM was told that the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Limited and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited had started preparation for the procurement.
It was informed that onion export during the Financial Year 2025-26 at 15.40 LMT was more than previous year and was expected to further improve this year.
