India Manages Fuel Supply Amid West Asia Crisis
New Delhi: The Government of India convened an inter-ministerial media briefing at the National Media Centre on April 23, 2026, amid the continuing crisis in West Asia. Officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs addressed the press, covering fuel availability, maritime safety, and the status of Indian nationals in the affected region.
Fuel Supply Remains Stable; Citizens Told Not to Panic
Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the government has ensured 100% supply of domestic LPG, domestic PNG, and CNG for transport. Officials urged citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, assuring the public that adequate stocks are available.
Citizens were also advised to use digital platforms for LPG bookings, switch to alternate fuels such as PNG, and conserve energy during this period. The government emphasized relying only on official sources and not spreading or believing rumours.
Over 52 Lakh LPG Cylinders Delivered in a Single Day
On April 22, 2026, more than 52 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered across the country. Online LPG cylinder bookings reached 98% on an industry basis, while Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries stood at around 94% to prevent diversion.
No dry-outs have been reported at any LPG distributorships across the country. This reflects the government's efforts to keep the domestic supply chain functioning despite external pressure.
Massive Enforcement Drive Against Hoarding
The government has taken a firm stand on LPG hoarding and black marketing. Cumulatively, more than 1.5 lakh raids have been conducted and over 66,000 cylinders seized across the country. More than 1,100 FIRs have been registered and 255 persons arrested.
PSU oil marketing companies have imposed penalties on 298 LPG distributorships, and 70 distributorships have been suspended. The enforcement drive is being conducted in coordination with state and district administrations.
Small Cylinders Reach Migrant Workers
To support migrant labourers, the government has doubled the supply of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders. Since April 1, 2026, more than 17 lakh 5 kg FTL cylinders have been sold. Since April 3, PSU oil marketing companies have organised more than 8,200 awareness camps for these cylinders, during which more than 1,27,000 cylinders were sold.
During April 2026 (until April 22), a total of 1,40,362 MT of commercial LPG — equivalent to more than 73.87 lakh 19 kg cylinders — has been sold.
PNG Expansion Accelerated Nationwide
The government is using this period to fast-track its transition from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Since March 2026, about 5.18 lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure created for an additional 2.58 lakh connections, taking the total to 7.76 lakh connections. About 5.87 lakh customers have registered for new connections.
Till April 21, 2026, more than 41,000 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via the MYPNGD.in website. The National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till June 30, 2026 to keep this momentum going.
Petrol and Diesel Prices Unchanged; Excise Duty Cut
On the retail fuel front, the government has taken steps to shield consumers from rising crude prices. The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre to protect consumers. Regular retail prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged at PSU oil marketing company outlets.
The government has also increased the export levy on diesel to ₹55.50 per litre and on ATF to ₹42 per litre to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market.
Indian Seafarers Safe After Firing Incidents in Strait of Hormuz
On the maritime front, the briefing brought significant attention. In the past 24 hours, some incidents of firing on foreign-flagged vessels have been reported in the Strait of Hormuz involving Indian seafarers. All seafarers on board both vessels are safe.
Vessel Euphoria, a Panama-flagged container ship, has 21 Indian seafarers on board — all safe. Vessel Epaminondas, also Panama-flagged, has one Indian seafarer on board, who is also safe.
The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026. The vessel, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, reached Mumbai on April 22, 2026.
Over 2,680 Indian Seafarers Repatriated
Through the Directorate General of Shipping, the Ministry has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,680 Indian seafarers so far, including 65 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.
The DG Shipping Control Room has handled 7,403 calls and more than 15,639 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours alone, 161 calls and 320 emails were received. Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported.
Flight Situation and Indian Community Welfare
Since February 28, around 12,12,000 passengers have travelled from the West Asia region to India. The Ministry of External Affairs has special control rooms operational, round-the-clock helplines at Indian Missions, and is in regular contact with state governments.
Around 110 flights are expected between UAE and India today. Flights continue from Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain. Qatar's airspace is partially open, Kuwait's airspace remains closed, and Iran's airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights.
So far, 2,428 Indian nationals have moved out of Iran into Armenia and Azerbaijan, including 1,096 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen