Fuel, LPG Supplies Stable; India Engaging Global Partners Amid West Asia Crisis

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday reiterated India’s call for de-escalation in the ongoing West Asia conflict, while assuring that the country has adequate supplies of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and LPG. The government also said it is working to ensure safe maritime operations and the repatriation of Indian seafarers from the affected region.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently urged restraint since tensions escalated and emphasised the importance of keeping global trade and energy routes open.

“Since the outbreak of this conflict, India has consistently called for de-escalation and for all issues to be addressed through dialogue. At the same time, one of our key priorities is to ensure the unimpeded transit of goods and energy,” Jaiswal said.

He added that India has also urged all sides not to target civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities, given the potential global repercussions.

Diplomatic outreach

India has remained in constant contact with key stakeholders in the region, including the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran, the United States and Israel.

According to Jaiswal, Narendra Modi has spoken with several world leaders in recent days, while S. Jaishankar and Indian diplomatic missions have been coordinating closely with their counterparts to safeguard India’s interests, especially energy security.

Seafarers repatriated, shipping monitored

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said 30 Indian seafarers were repatriated in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number brought back safely to 253.

Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said major Indian ports have given priority berthing to six LPG carriers arriving from various parts of the world.

He also said the DG Shipping Communication Centre has been functioning round the clock and has handled more than 2,500 calls and about 5,000 emails over the last 15 days.

Sinha further confirmed that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — safely crossed the critical Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are now heading towards India.

Fuel supply remains adequate

Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas assured that India’s fuel supply remains stable.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery), said the country’s crude oil supply is sufficient and refineries are running at full capacity.

“There are no dry-out reports at retail outlets, and sufficient petrol and diesel are available,” she said, adding that India produces enough petrol and diesel domestically to meet demand.

LPG bookings surge due to panic

Sharma said LPG supply remains stable despite geopolitical tensions but noted a spike in bookings due to panic buying.

Daily bookings rose from around 75–76 lakh to nearly 88 lakh, prompting authorities to urge consumers not to panic.

She clarified that booking restrictions remain in place — a minimum 25-day gap in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas between LPG bookings.

Consumers were also advised to use digital booking platforms instead of visiting distributors.

“There is no need for panic — neither for booking nor for cylinders. Oil marketing companies are delivering cylinders to homes and will continue to do so,” Sharma said.

With inputs from IANS