West Asia situation: Government assures energy security, citizen safety and supply stability

The Centre on Wednesday held an inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre to update on the evolving situation in West Asia, outlining measures to ensure energy security, maintain supply chains, and safeguard Indian nationals in the region.

Officials from multiple ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, Coal, and Shipping, highlighted coordinated efforts to manage fuel availability, logistics, and citizen assistance amid geopolitical tensions.

India Welcomes Ceasefire, Calls for Dialogue

Reiterating its diplomatic position, the government welcomed the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, stressing the importance of de-escalation and dialogue.

“We welcome the ceasefire reached and hope that it will lead to lasting peace in West Asia,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, adding that uninterrupted global trade – especially through the Strait of Hormuz – remains crucial.

Coal Sector Prepared, Adequate Stocks Maintained

The Ministry of Coal assured that sufficient coal stocks have been maintained across the value chain to prevent any supply disruptions.

State-run firms Coal India Limited and Singareni Collieries Company Limited have absorbed rising input costs without passing them on to consumers, while increasing supply through e-auctions.

Coal stocks at thermal power plants stood at 55.18 million tonnes as of April 6, sufficient for about 24 days, with an additional 171.9 million tonnes available at mines and in transit.

Fuel Supply Stable, LPG and PNG Measures Intensified

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stated that fuel supply remains stable despite global pressures, with refineries operating at high capacity and adequate stocks of petrol and diesel maintained.

To ensure equitable access, the government has implemented several measures:

* Over 8.9 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders sold since March 23

* Daily sales surged to over 1.1 lakh cylinders on April 7, compared to 77,000 in February

* More than 53.5 lakh domestic LPG cylinders delivered on April 7 alone

* Commercial LPG allocation increased to 70% of pre-crisis levels

Additionally, over 17,100 consumers have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections via the MYPNGD platform, shifting to piped natural gas (PNG).

Gas allocation to fertilizer plants will be increased to about 95% of their six-month average consumption from April 9, ensuring continuity in agricultural supply chains.

Push for Alternate Fuels and Energy Conservation

The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying and adopt alternative energy sources such as PNG and electric cooking solutions.

States have been directed to promote PNG connections and ensure strict enforcement against hoarding and black marketing under the Essential Commodities Act.

Strong Enforcement Against Hoarding

Authorities have intensified enforcement actions nationwide:

* Around 4,000 raids conducted recently

* Over 56,000 LPG cylinders seized so far

* More than 1,770 show-cause notices issued to distributors

Control rooms and monitoring committees have been set up across all states and Union Territories to oversee supply and distribution.

Maritime Operations and Seafarer Safety

The Directorate General of Shipping confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents involving Indian vessels reported in the past 24 hours.

Over 1,754 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 63 in the last 24 hours. Port operations across India continue smoothly, with no congestion reported.

Assistance to Indian Nationals in West Asia

The MEA said it remains in close coordination with Indian missions across the region to ensure the safety of citizens.

Since February 28, around 7.88 lakh passengers have travelled from West Asia to India. Special arrangements have been made for evacuation through alternate routes due to airspace restrictions in several countries.

In Iran, about 7,500 Indian nationals remain, with over 1,864 already assisted in exiting through Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Logistics and Energy Infrastructure Strengthened

The government has taken steps to strengthen logistics and energy infrastructure, including:

* Additional kerosene allocation of 48,000 KL

* Expansion of PNG networks and pipeline infrastructure

* High coordination with Indian Railways for coal transport

* Continued refinery operations at elevated capacity

Consumer Protection Measures

Despite rising global crude prices, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre to shield consumers. Export levies have also been imposed on diesel and aviation fuel to ensure adequate domestic availability.

Retail fuel prices remain unchanged, and supply at petrol pumps continues without disruption.

Outlook

The government emphasized that India remains well-prepared to handle external shocks arising from the West Asia situation, backed by strong inter-ministerial coordination, robust energy reserves, and proactive policy measures.

Authorities urged citizens to rely on official information and cooperate in maintaining stability, while reaffirming India’s commitment to peace and stability in the region.