New Delhi, April 9: The Government of India on Thursday said it has adopted a coordinated, multi-ministerial approach to manage the fallout of the ongoing West Asia crisis, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of fuel, pharmaceuticals, and essential commodities, while intensifying efforts to safeguard Indian nationals in the region.
At an inter-ministerial media briefing held at the National Media Centre, senior officials from key ministries outlined measures taken to maintain domestic stability despite global supply chain disruptions triggered by tensions in the Gulf, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
No Spike in Drug Prices, Pharma Inputs Secured
Officials from the Department of Pharmaceuticals said that although global supply chains for critical inputs such as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and solvents have been disrupted, there has been no major increase in drug prices in India.
To cushion the impact, the government has reduced customs duty to zero on 40 petrochemical products. Authorities are closely coordinating with the petroleum and chemicals sectors to ensure steady supplies of key inputs such as propylene, ammonia, and methanol—vital for manufacturing medicines like ibuprofen and metformin.
Domestic production and alternative sourcing have helped stabilise supplies, with public sector refineries and companies stepping in to bridge gaps. Shortages in packaging materials like aluminium are also expected to ease within a week.
Fuel Supplies Stable, Prices Unchanged
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured that petrol, diesel, and LPG supplies remain stable, with no disruptions reported across retail outlets. Domestic LPG deliveries are continuing normally, supported by enhanced refinery output and supply rationalisation measures.
Despite a surge in global crude prices, the government has kept retail fuel prices unchanged, aided by a ₹10 per litre cut in excise duty on petrol and diesel. Export levies have also been imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to prioritise domestic availability.
Authorities reported that over 51.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered on April 8, while digital adoption has surged, with 98% of bookings now made online and 92% of deliveries authenticated through Delivery Authentication Codes (DAC) to curb diversion.
Surge in Small Cylinder Use, PNG Push Gains Traction
The government highlighted a sharp rise in the use of 5-kg LPG cylinders, particularly among migrant workers and vulnerable groups. Over 1.06 lakh such cylinders were sold in a single day, significantly higher than the February average.
In parallel, the push toward cleaner fuel alternatives has accelerated. Nearly 18,000 households have surrendered LPG connections in favour of piped natural gas (PNG), while millions of new PNG connections have been added or registered since March.
Crackdown on Hoarding, States on Alert
To prevent hoarding and black marketing, authorities have conducted over 1.16 lakh raids nationwide, including 3,300 inspections in the past 24 hours alone. Hundreds of LPG cylinders have been seized, and strict action taken against errant distributors.
States and Union Territories have activated control rooms and district monitoring committees, with 24 regions issuing daily press briefings to counter misinformation and reassure the public.
Maritime Operations Normal, Vessel Reaches Safely
India’s maritime operations remain unaffected, with all ports functioning normally. The India-flagged LPG vessel Green Asha safely reached Jawaharlal Nehru Port after transiting the Strait of Hormuz on April 5.
Officials confirmed that Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are safe, with over 1,800 repatriated so far. A dedicated control room has handled thousands of distress calls and continues to monitor the situation.
Over 2,100 Indians Evacuated from Iran
The government said it is actively assisting Indian nationals stranded in conflict-affected areas. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the evacuation of 2,170 Indians via Armenia and Azerbaijan, including students and fishermen.
Air travel from parts of the region continues under restricted conditions, with alternative routes arranged through countries such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt where necessary.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagements Planned
As part of ongoing diplomatic outreach, the External Affairs Minister is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates from April 11–12 to review bilateral ties and strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The Petroleum Minister is also visiting Qatar to reinforce energy cooperation.
Public Advisory Issued
The government urged citizens not to panic or hoard fuel, advising them to rely on official information channels. People have also been encouraged to conserve energy and adopt alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooking options.
Officials reiterated that India remains prepared to manage the evolving situation, with a strong institutional mechanism in place to ensure economic stability, energy security, and the welfare of its citizens both at home and abroad.
