New Delhi: Senior officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs conducted a joint briefing today at the National Media Centre to update the public on the evolving situation in West Asia and its impact on India. The session focused on ensuring fuel security, the safety of Indian maritime assets, and the welfare of Indian nationals residing in the conflict-affected region.
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Joint Secretary, Sujata Sharma reassured the nation that India’s energy infrastructure remains resilient. All domestic refineries are currently operating at peak capacity with more than adequate crude oil inventories. While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created global supply pressures, the government confirmed that 100 percent supply of natural gas is being maintained for domestic Piped Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas for transport. To ease the demand for Liquefied Petroleum Gas, the ministry has activated approximately 3.5 lakh new PNG connections in the last three weeks. Additionally, 50 percent of commercial LPG has been placed at the disposal of states and union territories, with priority allocation for essential sectors like hospitals, hotels, and community kitchens. Authorities also reported that panic booking for cylinders has significantly declined, and over 37,000 raids have been conducted to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
On the maritime front, Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha stated that all 22 Indian-flagged vessels and approximately 600 Indian seafarers currently in the western Persian Gulf are safe. The Directorate General of Shipping is in constant contact with ship owners and recruitment agencies, and no maritime incidents involving Indian citizens have been reported in the last 24 hours. Major ports across India are functioning normally without congestion, and a 24-hour control room continues to assist seafarers and their families.
Regarding diplomatic and consular efforts, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with the President of Iran to discuss regional stability and the safety of the Indian community. The ministry is closely monitoring the situation following reports of a temporary pause in potential military strikes in the region. Since the start of the crisis in late February, nearly 3.75 lakh Indian passengers have returned home safely. Indian missions in the region remain operational 24/7, providing logistical support, visa facilitation, and relocation services for students and workers in high-risk areas.
The government concluded the briefing by urging citizens to rely only on official information and avoid rumors, emphasizing that coordinated efforts are in place to maintain economic stability and protect national interests during this period of global uncertainty.