New Delhi, Apr 13: Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Government of India on Monday convened a comprehensive inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre, outlining wide-ranging measures to safeguard energy supplies, stabilise markets, protect Indian nationals abroad, and accelerate the country’s transition to clean mobility.
Officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Heavy Industries detailed coordinated efforts across sectors, assuring that despite global volatility, domestic fuel availability remains stable and critical systems are functioning without disruption.
Highlighting energy concerns, officials said global market instability has reinforced the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The Centre has extended the Rs 10,900 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme to sustain electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with timelines extended for e-2W vehicles till July 31, 2026, and e-3W segments till March 31, 2028.
Additionally, a Rs 7,280 crore scheme to promote manufacturing of rare earth permanent magnets aims to build 6,000 MTPA domestic capacity, strengthen EV and defence supply chains, and support India’s Net Zero 2070 goals.
On fuel supply, the government confirmed uninterrupted availability of LPG, PNG, and CNG, with online LPG bookings reaching nearly 99 percent and Delivery Authentication Code-based deliveries at around 92 percent. Domestic LPG supplies remain stable, with no dry-outs reported, and distributorships operating even on holidays.
To curb hoarding and black marketing, over 1.28 lakh enforcement raids have been conducted, resulting in seizure of more than 59,000 cylinders, over 1,000 FIRs, and 238 arrests. PSU oil companies have also penalised and suspended erring distributors.
Commercial LPG supply has been raised to about 70 percent of pre-crisis levels, with priority given to hospitals, educational institutions, and key industries. Additional measures include doubling 5 kg LPG cylinder distribution for migrant labourers and conducting over 3,450 awareness camps.
To reduce pressure on LPG demand, the government has promoted alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal, while directing states to expand PNG connections. Over 4.32 lakh PNG connections have been activated since March, with additional registrations underway.
Retail fuel outlets continue normal operations, and despite rising crude prices, petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged following a Rs 10 per litre excise duty cut. Export levies on diesel and aviation fuel have also been increased to ensure domestic availability.
Maritime operations remain stable, with all Indian seafarers reported safe. The LPG vessel Jag Vikram, carrying over 20,000 MT cargo, has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to reach Kandla port. Port operations across India remain congestion-free.
On citizen safety, the Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions are operating round-the-clock helplines and facilitating evacuations. Over 9.27 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India since February, with transit arrangements continuing via multiple countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.
The government emphasised coordinated engagement with states, strict enforcement against misinformation, and continuous monitoring of the situation, reaffirming its commitment to energy security, economic stability, and the safety of Indian citizens amid the evolving West Asia crisis.
