The government on Wednesday said supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG remain stable across the country, even as it stepped up enforcement measures and ramped up distribution to meet rising demand. 

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said oil marketing companies (OMCs) have organised nearly 1,600 awareness camps and distributed around 14,000 LPG cylinders. About 1.1 lakh cylinders were sold on Tuesday, taking total sales to nearly 8.9 lakh since March 23. 

She said domestic consumption continues to be prioritised, with fertiliser plants receiving about 95% of gas supplies. Refineries are operating at full capacity with adequate crude availability, ensuring no disruption or dry-out in petrol, and diesel supply. 

To increase LPG availability, the government has directed diversion of C3 and C4 streams to the LPG pool while permitting limited use for petrochemicals. Enforcement action has also been intensified to curb malpractices, with around 4,000 raids conducted in recent days leading to the seizure of about 56,000 cylinders. OMCs have issued 1,770 show-cause notices, suspended 51 distributors, and taken action against 175 entities. 

“Supplies remain steady, and citizens are advised to avoid panic and rely on official information,” Sharma said. 

India has ample coal stocks across mines, power plants 

Meanwhile, Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Coal, said India has ample coal stocks across mines and power plants, ensuring quick supply to consumers. 

He said coal production continues to keep pace with consumption, with coal-based power meeting around 70% of the country’s energy needs. India has achieved coal production of 1 billion tonnes for the second consecutive year, ensuring affordable and sufficient supply. 

India’s call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy 

On the external front, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said the government is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and has welcomed the ceasefire, expressing hope for lasting peace. He reiterated India’s call for de-escalation, dialogue, and diplomacy while underlining the importance of uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor. 

Ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad remains a top priority, Jaiswal said, adding that a 24-hour control room is operational and Indian missions are providing assistance on visas, transit, and logistics. 

Flights from open airspaces continue, with about 7.88 lakh passengers having returned to India since February 28. Evacuation efforts from restricted regions are being facilitated through neighbouring countries. 

In Iran, where around 7,500 Indians remain, a fresh advisory has urged early exit. So far, 1,864 nationals have been evacuated through Armenia and Azerbaijan, he added.