Govt allays supply fears; crude availability normal, LPG output up 40%

Amid concerns over potential supply disruptions, crude oil availability remains normal and domestic refineries are operating at full capacity, government officials said during an inter-ministerial briefing held in New Delhi on Wednesday. 

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said, “Domestic LPG production has increased by 40%, with no shortages reported at retail outlets. To manage demand, the Centre has offered an additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to states and Union Territories, while encouraging large urban consumers to shift to piped natural gas (PNG) over the long term.” 

Enforcement drive intensifies 

The government further said that the authorities have stepped up enforcement to prevent hoarding and black marketing. Around 12,000 raids have been conducted in recent days, leading to the seizure of nearly 15,000 LPG cylinders. Oil marketing companies have also carried out surprise inspections at about 2,500 retail outlets and distributorships. 

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to work closely for the early restoration of peace, security, and stability in West Asia while ensuring safe and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor, the officials said. 

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in the region. Modi strongly condemned recent attacks on the UAE that led to civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure.” 

The government also issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals in Iran. The Embassy of India in Tehran has advised citizens, particularly students, to consider land routes via Armenia and Azerbaijan, and to follow official guidance for smoother cross-border movement. 

Shipping operations remain unaffected 

Providing an update on maritime operations, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, said all Indian vessels remain safe, with no incidents reported so far. 

“In the past 24 hours, 25 Indian nationals have been repatriated after sign-off from various ports. A 24×7 control room handled 125 calls and about 450 emails, all of which were promptly addressed,” he said. 

Sinha added that LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi are continuing cargo discharge operations as per requirements, supported by additional infrastructure at Visakhapatnam Port. The government is closely monitoring shipping movements, seafarers’ welfare, and overall maritime trade to ensure minimal disruption.