New Delhi, April 2: The Government of India on Thursday outlined a series of measures to ensure fuel availability, safeguard trade, and support Indian nationals amid the evolving situation in West Asia, during an inter-ministerial briefing held at the National Media Centre.
Officials from multiple ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Commerce, and Finance, highlighted coordinated efforts to maintain supply chains, stabilise domestic markets, and assist citizens affected by the regional crisis.
Fuel Supply Stable, Steps Taken to Protect Consumers
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, ensuring sufficient availability of petrol and diesel across the country.
To shield consumers from rising global crude prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre. It has also imposed export levies of ₹21.5 per litre on diesel and ₹29.5 per litre on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to prioritise domestic supply.
Authorities acknowledged instances of panic buying in some areas due to rumours but reiterated that fuel stocks remain adequate nationwide.
Push for PNG, LPG Supply Strengthened
The government reported rapid expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) infrastructure, with over 55,000 new connections activated in the last five days. Additional LPG allocations have been provided to eight States/UTs to support PNG transition reforms, while proposals from three more are under consideration.
More than 4.3 lakh 5-kg LPG cylinders have been sold since March 23, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups such as migrant workers.
To ensure supply to key industries, the government has permitted allocation of C3 and C4 petrochemical streams to critical sectors including pharmaceuticals, food distribution, and chemicals, based on guidelines from the Centre for High Technology.
Customs Duty Waiver to Support Industry
In a key राहत measure, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs announced a full customs duty exemption on select petrochemical products for three months until June 30, 2026.
The move is expected to ease cost pressures on industries dependent on petrochemical inputs, including plastics, textiles, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, and packaging, while ensuring supply stability amid global disruptions.
Measures to Safeguard Trade and Exporters
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said a dedicated inter-ministerial mechanism has been activated to monitor supply chain disruptions and support exporters.
A crisis desk and helpline have been set up to assist businesses, while initiatives such as the RELIEF (Resilience and Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation) programme aim to provide risk coverage and logistical support, particularly for MSMEs.
Authorities are also facilitating alternative shipping routes, easing customs procedures, and extending deadlines for export obligations to mitigate disruptions.
Maritime Operations Stable, Seafarers Repatriated
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that maritime operations remain stable, with no recent incidents involving Indian vessels in the Persian Gulf.
More than 975 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 11 in the past 24 hours. A 24×7 control room continues to monitor developments and assist crew members.
Assistance to Indian Nationals in Region
The Ministry of External Affairs said it is closely monitoring the situation, with safety and welfare of Indian nationals as the top priority.
Over 6.24 lakh passengers have travelled to India since February 28 as flight operations gradually improve. Indian missions have facilitated evacuation of over 1,200 nationals from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan, while alternative travel routes are being arranged from affected countries.
Dedicated helplines and coordination mechanisms remain in place to assist citizens, including students and seafarers, across the region.
Advisory Against Panic Buying
The government urged citizens not to believe rumours and avoid panic purchases, assuring that adequate supplies of fuel and LPG are available.
States and Union Territories have been directed to intensify monitoring, conduct enforcement drives against hoarding and black marketing, and issue regular public advisories to maintain stability.
Officials emphasised that a coordinated, whole-of-government approach is being followed to ensure energy security, trade continuity, and citizen safety amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia.
