Centre Monitors West Asia Crisis, Says No Shortage of Fuel, Fertilisers or Seeds

The Government of India on Wednesday assured that there is no shortage of fuel, fertilisers, or agricultural inputs in the country, even as it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia.

During an inter-ministerial media briefing held at the National Media Centre, senior officials from key ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Agriculture, and Civil Aviation, outlined measures being taken to ensure stability in essential supplies and safeguard Indian nationals in the region.

Agriculture sector remains stable

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare informed that there is adequate availability of seeds for the upcoming Kharif 2026 season. Against a requirement of 166.46 lakh quintals, availability stands at 185.74 lakh quintals, indicating a surplus.

Positive trends have been recorded across major crops such as paddy, soybean, maize, groundnut and pulses. Officials also said that sufficient fertiliser stocks are available, with 46 per cent of the requirement already in place as opening stock.

The government is taking steps to ensure timely supply and prevent hoarding or black marketing. Availability of agrochemicals, including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, remains adequate, supported by domestic production and regular monitoring.

Prices of key agricultural commodities, including tomato, onion and potato, were reported to be stable.

Fuel supply remains uninterrupted

Officials stated that all refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate stocks of crude oil, petrol and diesel available across the country.

Retail fuel prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged. The government has reduced excise duties to cushion the impact of rising global crude prices and imposed export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to ensure domestic availability.

Citizens have been advised not to engage in panic buying, as sufficient stocks are available at all retail outlets.

LPG and natural gas supply maintained

The government said there has been no increase in prices for domestic LPG consumers, and no supply disruptions have been reported.

More than 60 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered on Tuesday, while over 3.9 lakh 5 kg cylinders have been sold since March 23.

Supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) for households and transport remains prioritised. Additional measures are being taken to expand PNG connections and ensure uninterrupted supply to key sectors.

Air travel costs kept in check

The Ministry of Civil Aviation stated that a limited increase of 25 per cent in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic airlines has been implemented to manage global price pressures.

The calibrated measure is aimed at keeping operational costs manageable for airlines and avoiding higher fares for passengers. Over 4.5 lakh passengers travel daily on domestic routes in India.

Maritime operations normal, seafarers safe

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, with no incidents reported involving Indian-flagged vessels in the past 24 hours.

A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers remain in the region, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. More than 960 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far.

Port operations across India continue to function normally without congestion.

Support for Indian nationals in West Asia

The Ministry of External Affairs said that over 5.98 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28 amid travel disruptions.

Indian missions are facilitating safe transit through alternate routes due to airspace restrictions and are operating round-the-clock helplines.

In Iran, more than 1,100 Indian nationals, including students, have been assisted in crossing into Armenia and Azerbaijan. The government is also coordinating with authorities to ensure that the academic schedules of Indian students in the Gulf region are not affected.

Public advisory issued

The government has urged citizens to rely on official sources for information and avoid panic purchases of fuel and LPG. It has also advised the use of digital booking systems and alternate energy sources where possible.