Container traffic at western ports plunges 97% amid disruptions; govt keeps supplies steady

At major ports along the western coast, container volumes declined sharply from around 3,383 on March 8 to just 99 on April 19, marking a reduction of nearly 97%. 

During a press briefing on Tuesday, officials said the steep fall reflected the immediate impact of disruptions in the region, though the situation has since improved with operations returning to normal across ports. 

Port operations stabilise, insurance cushion approved 

Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said the decline was temporary and linked to heightened geopolitical risks. “Currently, port operations across India are functioning normally with reduced yard occupancy. All Indian seafarers in the region remain safe,” he said. 

To manage risks to maritime trade, the Cabinet has approved the ‘Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool’. Backed by a sovereign guarantee fund of ₹12,980 crore, the initiative is aimed at ensuring the availability of marine insurance during periods of uncertainty and supporting shipping activity. 

Govt steps up Gulf outreach 

India has also intensified diplomatic engagement with Gulf nations amid the crisis. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, said, “India continues to closely monitor developments in West Asia and has intensified its outreach to countries in the Gulf region under the direction of the Prime Minister.” 

He said that recent visits by key ministers and officials are part of coordinated efforts to address “energy security, welfare of the Indian diaspora, and other issues of mutual interest”. 

Fuel supply normal, panic buying discouraged 

The government moved to reassure consumers on fuel availability. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Petroleum Ministry, said, “Domestic LPG supply is normal, with record 46 lakh daily bookings and about 93% delivery authentication code-based deliveries. Commercial LPG supply is also recovering.” 

She added that PNG and CNG supply remain stable and retail fuel availability is normal, urging people “not to believe rumours or resort to panic booking”. 

Dairy supply remains uninterrupted 

Supply of essential commodities such as milk has also remained unaffected. Puja Rustagi, Director at the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, said, “Milk procurement, processing and supply across the country remain uninterrupted amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.” She added that prices of milk and related products are stable, with no disruption in payments to farmers. 

Officials said continuous monitoring and coordinated policy measures have helped maintain supply stability even as tensions in West Asia continue.