Two LPG carriers cross Hormuz as govt assures fuel supply; refineries normal, stocks adequate despite West Asia tensions

Two LPG carriers, BWTYR and BW ELM, have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now en route to India, even as the government sought to reassure markets and consumers that fuel supplies remain stable despite escalating tensions in West Asia.

“Two LPG carriers, carrying a total of 94,000 metric tonnes, have crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India,” said Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary, ministry of ports, shipping and waterways, at an inter-ministerial briefing on Monday.

He added that 18 Indian ships with 485 seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf and all are safe, with “no maritime incidents reported in the last 24 hours.”

Fuel supplies stable, govt pushes back against panic

On the domestic front, the government maintained that fuel availability remains adequate.

“There is adequate availability of petrol, diesel, LPG and PNG in the country. Our refineries are operating normally, and crude inventories are sufficient,” said Sujata Sharma, joint secretary, ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

She acknowledged instances of panic buying in some areas, but stressed that “most retail outlets are functioning normally.”

To cushion consumers and manage inflationary pressures, Sharma said the union government has cut excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre, while also imposing an export levy on diesel to ensure sufficient domestic availability.

In the case of natural gas, she said, “100% supply is being ensured for domestic consumers and CNG transport, while around 80% supply is being ensured for industries.”

Fertiliser supply under watch amid rising global costs

Officials also flagged pressures in the fertiliser segment due to higher global input costs.

Aparna S. Sharma, joint secretary, department of fertilisers, said domestic urea production had seen a temporary decline of 30,000–35,000 tonnes per day due to earlier gas supply disruptions, though availability remains comfortable.

“Our overall stock position stands at 180 lakh metric tonnes, compared to 147 lakh tonnes last year, indicating a healthy position,” she said.

She added that the government is actively diversifying sourcing beyond the Gulf, with supply channels being explored across countries including Russia, Morocco, Australia and Canada.

Authorities said ports across states are operating smoothly without congestion, ensuring uninterrupted movement of cargo and energy supplies.