Iran War Impact: All efforts in place to ensure adequate petrol, diesel, LPG supplies, says Indian govt

Middle East Crisis India Impact Update: The Narendra Modi government said on Saturday that there were no reported LPG distributor-level dry-out across the country despite disruptions, urging the public not to panic as adequate supplies of the cooking gas and auto fuels continue to be available. Urging people not to panic-book or panic-buy the fuels, government officials requested citizens to only rely on official sources of information for updates on the Middle East situation and its potential impact on India.

Government spokespersons also said that more than around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders are being delivered daily, with strict enforcement action underway against hoarding and black-marketing practices.

The gas supplies to fertiliser plants are set to rise to around 90 per cent from April 6, with the industrial and commercial supplies at around 80 per cent and set to increase, they noted.

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The oil ministry is taking proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in light of the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Here are key takeaways from the April 4 update:

• Centre making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG
• Citizens advised to avoid panic buy petrol and diesel
• They are requested to avoid unnecessary booking of LPG refills
• They are urged to be beware of rumours and rely only on official sources for correct information
• Citizens are requested to use digital modes for booking LPG cylinders and to avoid visiting LPG distributors unless necessary
• They are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG, induction and electric cooktops wherever feasible
• Citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage
• Government has given highest priority to domestic LPG and PNG
• It has also given high priority to hospitals and educational institutions
• A number of rationalisation measures already taken on both the supply and demand sides
• Alternate fuel options like kerosene and coal offered to ease pressure on LPG demand

Domestic LPG Supply Status

• Supply of LPG affected due to prevailing geopolitical situation
• There is no reported dry-out at LPG distributorships
• Online LPG cylinder bookings are up at 95 per cent on industry basis on Friday
• To prevent diversion at the distributor level, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries increased from 53 per cent in February to 89 per cent on Friday.
• Around 51 Lakh Domestic LPG cylinders delivered on Friday

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures

• Government has allowed refineries and petrochemical units to supply C3 and C4 streams to critical sectors like pharma, food distribution and chemicals
• Allocation of commercial LPG has been capped at 70 per cent of pre-crisis levels, including a reform-linked component
• Over 71,000 5 kg FTL LPG cylinders sold in a single day
• Around 5.7 lakh 5 kg cylinders sold since March 23
• 5 kg FTL cylinders available easily at LPG distributors with valid ID -- no address proof required
• A three-member panel of IOCL, HPCL, and BPCL executives is coordinating commercial LPG distribution with states and industry
• Total 72,047 MT of commercial LPG sold since March 14

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion

• 100 per cent gas supply ensured for domestic PNG and CNG transport
• Industrial and commercial consumers receiving around 80 per cent of average gas supply
• Fertiliser plants currently at 70-75 per cent supply, to rise to around 90 per cent from April 6
• Gas supply to other industries and CGD networks to be increased by 10 per cent
• Industries asked to submit additional demand for spot supply planning
• PNG connections being prioritised for restaurants, hotels, canteens
• City gas distributors offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG adoption
• States and ministries asked to fast-track approvals for CGD expansion
• Additional 10 per cent LPG allocation offered to states supporting PNG transition
• PNGRB pushing fast PNG connections for institutions (schools, hostels, kitchens)
• Accelerated approval framework introduced for gas infrastructure projects
• New policy to speed up pipeline expansion and connectivity nationwide
• Defence sector also enabling faster PNG rollout till June
• National PNG Drive extended till June 30
• Over 3.5 lakh PNG connections activated, 3.8 lakh registered
• Refineries running at high capacity with adequate crude stocks
• Domestic LPG production increased to meet demand

• All retail outlets operating normally across the country
• Crisis has resulted into abnormal increase in the crude prices
• To protect consumers from this impact, Centre has decided to absorb a part of this burden through a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10/litre
• It has imposed export levy of Rs 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs 29.5 per litre on ATF to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market
• Instances of panic buying due to rumours have been noticed in certain areas, resulting in unusually high sales and heavy crowding at retail outlets
• It is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all petrol pumps in the country
• Regular retail prices for petrol and diesel are unchanged

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

• Measures already taken to ensure safety of Indian vessels and seafarers in the region
• Shipping movements and port operations are being closely monitored to maintain trade continuity
• All Indian seafarers are safe, with no recent incidents involving Indian vessels
• LPG vessel Green Sanvi safely crossed Strait of Hormuz with 46,650 MT cargo
• 17 Indian ships with 460 seafarers remain in the Gulf region under active monitoring
• DG Shipping control room running 24x7, handling calls and coordinating responses
• Over 1,320 Indian seafarers repatriated, including 190 in the last 24 hours
• Port operations across India normal, no congestion reported
• Government coordinating with MEA, missions, and stakeholders for seafarer safety and operations
• Indian nationals in the region
• Indian missions providing 24x7 helplines and assistance
• Stranded Indian fishermen in Iran being brought back via Armenia
• Government prioritising safety and welfare of Indians abroad
• Missions facilitating visas, transit routes, and logistics support amid airspace disruptions
• Student welfare being monitored with coordination from authorities
• Over 6.75 lakh passengers have returned to India since February 28
• Travel being rerouted via third countries due to airspace closures
• In Abu Dhabi incident, 5 Indians injured, 4 discharged, 1 under treatment