Ziraat Times News Desk
New Delhi, March 18: The Centre on Wednesday said India’s fuel supplies remain stable despite the ongoing crisis in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, even as it announced a 40% increase in domestic LPG production and additional incentives for states to shift towards piped natural gas (PNG).
At a high-level inter-ministerial briefing held at the National Media Centre, officials from the Ministries of Petroleum, External Affairs, and Shipping said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, or LPG, urging citizens not to panic buy.
Fuel Supply Stable, Refineries at Full Capacity
The government said all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude stocks, ensuring sufficient production of petrol and diesel to meet domestic demand without requiring imports. No fuel shortages or “dry-outs” have been reported at retail outlets.
Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased by about 40% to meet rising demand amid geopolitical disruptions.
Push for PNG, Incentives for States
To reduce dependence on LPG, the Centre has urged commercial users such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and hostels to shift to PNG. City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies—including Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited, GAIL Gas Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited—are offering incentives to promote adoption.
The government has also offered States and Union Territories an additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG linked to reforms supporting PNG transition. These include:
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1% for forming State and district-level CGD committees
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2% for granting deemed permissions for CGD projects
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3% for implementing “Dig and Restore” schemes
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4% for reducing lease and rental charges
States have been asked to fast-track approvals, waive charges, relax working hours for pipeline laying, and appoint nodal officers to speed up CGD expansion.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has directed CGD entities to reduce connection timelines and clearly communicate them to consumers, while also launching mass awareness campaigns.
Gas Supply Prioritised for Key Sectors
The government said priority sectors continue to receive protected gas supplies, including 100% supply to domestic PNG users and CNG transport. Supply to industrial and commercial users is being maintained at around 80%.
Critical sectors such as seed drying units and cold storages are also being prioritised.
LPG Supply Tight Monitoring, Digital Systems Strengthened
Authorities said LPG supplies are being closely monitored, with no shortages reported at distributorships. Online bookings have risen sharply from 83% to 93%, while Delivery Authentication Code coverage has expanded from 53% to 81% to curb diversion.
Commercial LPG supplies are being maintained nationwide, with multiple states issuing allocation orders.
Kerosene Allocation Increased
To ease pressure on LPG demand, the Centre has allocated an additional 48,000 KL of kerosene to states, asking them to identify distribution points. Several states have already issued allocation orders, while some reported no requirement.
Crackdown on Hoarding, Monitoring Intensified
States and Union Territories have been directed to act against hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act.
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30 States/UTs have set up control rooms
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22 have established district-level monitoring committees
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Over 2,300 surprise inspections have been conducted by PSU oil companies
Recent enforcement actions include LPG cylinder seizures in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh.
Public Advisory Issued
The government urged citizens to rely on official information, avoid panic buying, and use digital booking platforms. Consumers were also encouraged to adopt PNG, electric, or induction cooking alternatives and conserve energy.
Maritime Operations Normal, No Port Congestion
The Ministry of Ports said India’s maritime sector continues to function smoothly with no congestion reported at ports.
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22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf region
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No incidents involving Indian ships reported in the past 24 hours
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LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are operating as scheduled
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Over 472 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far
Ports have adequate capacity, with additional storage created, including at Visakhapatnam. At Jawaharlal Nehru Port, stranded containers have reduced from about 1,000 to around 770.
Indian Nationals Supported, Students Relocated
The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian Missions are operating round the clock to assist citizens in the Gulf and Iran.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussing regional stability and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Indian students in Iran, particularly from Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz, have been relocated to safer areas. The Embassy is assisting those crossing into Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Board exams for CBSE Class X and XII, as well as ICSE and Kerala boards, have been cancelled for affected students, with evaluation criteria to be announced later.
Flight Operations Improving
Flight connectivity between India and the region is gradually improving:
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Around 2.6 lakh passengers have returned to India since February 28
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Over 50 daily flights have been operating from the UAE since early March
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70 flights operated on March 17; 75 expected on March 18
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Services continue from Saudi Arabia and Oman
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Qatar has partially reopened airspace with expanded services
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Kuwait airspace remains closed; alternative routes via Saudi Arabia are being used
