India well-stocked on fuel, agri commodities: Govt reassures energy supply amid West Asia tensions

The Centre on Wednesday sought to calm concerns over supply disruptions arising from the ongoing tensions in West Asia, asserting that there is no shortage of fuel, fertilisers or other key commodities while prices of essential commodities remain stable. 

At an inter-ministerial briefing, senior officials said the government is “making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol, Diesel and LPG” and urged citizens to “avoid panic purchase”. 

On the agriculture front, the government said India is well-prepared for the upcoming Kharif season. “There is comfortable seed availability for Kharif 2026,” officials noted, highlighting a surplus of nearly 19.3 lakh quintals against the requirement. Fertiliser availability is also higher than usual, with opening stocks at 46% of the seasonal requirement. “It will be ensured that there is no shortage of agricultural inputs and chemicals at any stage,” the statement said. 

Prices of key agri-commodities such as tomato, onion and potato are “by and large stable and are being closely monitored”, the government added. 

Fuel supply stable, prices unchanged 

Officials said all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply across the country. “All retail outlets are operating normally across the country,” they said, adding that “regular retail prices for petrol and diesel are unchanged”. 

Despite a surge in global crude prices, the government has stepped in to cushion the impact. It has cut excise duties on petrol and diesel and imposed export levies to ensure domestic availability. Instances of panic buying have been reported in some areas, but the government stressed that “adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available across all petrol pumps in the country”. 

For LPG consumers, there has been no price increase. “No increase in price for Domestic LPG Consumers” has been impacted, even as supply remains under pressure globally. More than 3.9 lakh 5 kg cylinders have been sold since March 23, reflecting increased demand. 

ATF curbs to support airlines 

In the aviation sector, the government has capped the increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices for domestic carriers. Officials said the “limited increase of 25% in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices… provides critical relief amid unprecedented global energy price surges”. 

They added that the calibrated hike would help airlines manage costs and “avoid the need for additional fuel surcharges”, thereby keeping air travel affordable for over 4.5 lakh daily domestic passengers. 

Seafarers safe, evacuation efforts continue 

On the external front, the government said the situation in the Persian Gulf remains stable, with “all Indian seafarers in the region… safe” and no recent incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels. 

The Ministry of External Affairs said it continues to prioritise the safety of Indian nationals. Over 1,100 Indians have been assisted in exiting Iran, while nearly 6 lakh passengers have returned to India from the region since late February. 

“The safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remain the highest priority,” officials said, adding that special attention is being given to Indian students to ensure their academic year is not disrupted. 

Reiterating its advisory, the government urged citizens to rely on official communication and conserve energy, while assuring that supply chains and essential services remain fully functional.