New Delhi, March 28: The Government of India on Saturday said adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available across the country and that retail fuel outlets are operating normally despite the evolving situation in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
In an update on key sectors issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the government said all refineries are operating at high capacity with sufficient crude inventories, while domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support consumption.
Authorities reported that although panic buying was observed in some areas following rumours, there are adequate supplies of petrol and diesel at all fuel stations nationwide. The government reiterated its appeal to the public not to believe unverified information.
The government has also reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and imposed export levies of ₹21.5 per litre on diesel and ₹29.5 per litre on aviation turbine fuel to ensure domestic availability.
LPG Supply and Allocation
The supply of domestic LPG cylinders continues without disruption. Over 54 lakh LPG refills were delivered across the country on Friday, while more than 46,000 five-kilogram cylinders were sold during the same period. Online LPG bookings rose to 91 percent of total bookings, and authentication-based deliveries increased significantly to curb diversion.
To manage commercial demand, the government has increased the allocation of commercial LPG to 70 percent of pre-crisis levels. Since March 14, commercial entities across states and Union Territories have uplifted 33,781 metric tonnes of non-domestic LPG.
The government has also provided an additional allocation of 48,000 kilolitres of kerosene to states and Union Territories to ease pressure on LPG demand.
Natural Gas and PNG Expansion
Natural gas supplies have been prioritised for domestic PNG and CNG transport consumers with 100 percent supply, while industrial and commercial consumers connected to the grid are receiving around 80 percent of their average consumption.
City Gas Distribution companies have been directed to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as restaurants, hotels and canteens. Incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections have also been offered by companies including Indraprastha Gas Limited, Mahanagar Gas Limited and GAIL Gas Limited.
A new regulatory order issued under the Essential Commodities Act aims to streamline approvals for laying and expanding natural gas pipelines across the country to accelerate PNG infrastructure growth.
Advisory to States and Enforcement Measures
The Centre has urged states and Union Territories to hold daily press briefings to curb rumours and ensure accurate information dissemination. At present, 14 states and UTs are already conducting daily briefings.
Authorities have intensified enforcement against hoarding and black marketing. Around 2,900 raids were conducted across states and UTs recently, resulting in the seizure of more than 1,700 LPG cylinders. Officials from public sector oil marketing companies also carried out over 1,600 inspections of retail outlets and LPG distributorships.
Maritime Operations and Seafarer Safety
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that maritime trade and port operations across India remain normal with no congestion. Currently, 20 Indian-flagged vessels with about 540 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region and are being monitored by authorities.
More than 938 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 25 in the last 24 hours.
Evacuation and Support for Indians in West Asia
The Ministry of External Affairs said Indian missions in the Gulf and West Asia are operating round the clock to assist Indian nationals amid the evolving situation.
Since February 28, approximately 4.97 lakh passengers have returned to India as evacuation and flight operations continue from various countries in the region. Flights are operating from several locations including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, while special arrangements are being made for travellers from countries where airspace remains restricted.
Indian nationals are also being assisted through alternate travel routes from countries such as Iran, Israel and Iraq via neighbouring states.
The government said it continues to monitor developments in West Asia closely while prioritising the safety of Indian nationals and maintaining stability in energy supply and key sectors.
