New Delhi: Amid rising tensions in West Asia and concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, the Government of India has rolled out a series of measures to secure
energy supply, shipping operations and the safety of its citizens in the region.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has assured that petrol, diesel and LPG remain available across the country. The government has advised citizens to avoid panic buying and unnecessary LPG bookings. It has also asked people to use digital booking systems and conserve fuel where possible.
Steps to stabilise fuel supply
The government has prioritised LPG and PNG supply for households, hospitals and schools. It has increased refinery output and extended LPG booking intervals to 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions. Authorities have also pushed the use of kerosene and coal as alternate fuels.
More than 51 lakh LPG cylinders were delivered in a single day recently. Officials have increased delivery authentication to 90 per cent to prevent diversion. Raids have led to the seizure of over 50,000 cylinders, while 36 distributorships have been suspended for violations.
Push for natural gas expansion
The government has expanded PNG connections to reduce dependence on LPG. Around 3.6 lakh new PNG connections have been activated since March, with incentives offered by gas companies. Authorities have also directed faster approvals for pipeline infrastructure and urban gas distribution.
Gas supply for fertiliser plants will rise to nearly 90 per cent of average consumption from April 6. Supply to commercial sectors will also increase by 10 per cent. Restaurants, hotels and hostels are being encouraged to switch to PNG.
Maritime safety and citizen support
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has said port operations remain normal and Indian vessels are safe. Around 17 Indian-flagged ships with 460 seafarers remain in the Persian Gulf region under close monitoring. Over 1,479 seafarers have been brought back to India so far.
The Ministry of External Affairs has also stepped up efforts to assist Indians in the region. It helped 345 fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia. Missions continue to run helplines and coordinate travel through alternate routes due to partial airspace closures.
To ease the impact of rising crude prices, the government has cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre. It has also imposed export levies on diesel and aviation fuel to ensure domestic availability.
Authorities have asked people to stay calm and avoid rumours, as supply chains and services remain stable.
