The government on Monday assured citizens that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, LPG, and natural gas are available across the country and urged consumers not to indulge in panic buying amid rising tensions in the Gulf and West Asia region. 

Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said supplies of all essential fuels continue normally across the country. “There is no need for panic among LPG distributors, retail outlets or consumers, as the supply of all essential fuels continues normally,” Sharma said. 

The government appealed to citizens to purchase fuel only as required and avoid unnecessary stockpiling. Officials said efforts are being made to ensure uninterrupted availability and timely delivery of petrol, diesel, and LPG across states. 

Reduce dependence on LPG

The ministry also encouraged households to increasingly adopt alternative cooking fuels such as piped natural gas (PNG), induction stoves, and electric cooktops to reduce dependence on LPG. 

Meanwhile, Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said the government is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf and West Asia region with a focus on ensuring the safety and welfare of Indians living there. 

He said Indian embassies and consulates in the region are operating round-the-clock helplines, coordinating with local authorities and engaging with Indian community groups and companies. 

Indian have been advised to avoid travel to Iran

Mahajan added that Indian nationals have been advised to avoid travel to Iran. So far, 2,551 Indians have been moved out of Iran through land border routes with assistance from Indian missions. 

On the shipping front, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, said the Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier Symi, carrying 19,965 metric tonnes of LPG cargo for India, berthed at Kandla on May 16 and completed cargo discharge successfully. He said all Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no incidents involving Indian crew members have been reported in the last 96 hours. 

According to the ministry, more than 3,217 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far from various Gulf locations, including 61 in the last four days. The government also said port operations across India remain normal and there is no congestion at ports. 

Separately, Aparna S. Sharma, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, said fertiliser availability for the ongoing Kharif season remains comfortable despite global supply concerns. 

She said over 200.98 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers are currently available across the country, while domestic production after the crisis period has reached 86.2 lakh metric tonnes. About 22 lakh metric tonnes of imported fertilisers have also arrived in India. 

“There has been no major change in the MRP of major fertilisers,” Sharma said, adding that fertiliser availability across states remains over 51% above requirements for the Kharif season.