West Asia Crisis: LPG deliveries top 51.5 lakh, 2,170 Indians evacuated from Iran; what govt said on LPG shortages

West Asia Crisis: India has moved to reassure citizens and markets as tensions in West Asia disrupt global supply chains, with the Centre confirming that fuel availability, pharmaceutical production and maritime operations remain stable. In a detailed inter-ministerial briefing on April 9, the government said more than 2,170 Indian nationals have already been evacuated from Iran, even as coordinated steps are underway to protect energy security, keep medicine prices stable and maintain supply chains across critical sectors.

Officials from multiple ministries stressed that despite volatility in global crude markets and disruptions in key inputs, India’s domestic systems remain resilient. With LPG deliveries crossing 51.5 lakh in a single day, steady medicine prices, and ports running without disruption, the government signalled that essential supplies remain under control and backup plans are firmly in place.

No major rise in medicine prices despite supply disruptions

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One of the key concerns during the crisis has been the availability of pharmaceutical inputs. Authorities acknowledged that global supply chains for solvents and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) have been affected.

However, officials confirmed that there has been no major increase in the sale prices of medicines in India so far.

To cushion the impact, customs duty has been reduced to zero on 40 petrochemical products from April 1. Critical inputs such as propylene, ammonia and methanol continue to be supplied through coordinated efforts:

• Propylene supplies are being supported by refinery output, especially for medicines like ibuprofen
• Methanol availability has improved with domestic producers stepping in
• Fertiliser sector support has ensured ammonia supply remains stable

Officials said the government is closely monitoring inputs used in medicines such as metformin and aspirin, while also easing regulatory bottlenecks for key intermediates.

Fuel Supply Stable; LPG deliveries exceed 51.5 lakh in a day

Despite global price volatility, the government said retail fuel supply across India remains normal.

To shield consumers, excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced by Rs 10 per litre, ensuring no increase in retail prices.

Domestic LPG supply, a major concern given India’s import dependence, has remained steady:

• Over 51.5 lakh LPG cylinders delivered on April 8 alone
• Around 92 per cent deliveries now verified through DAC (Delivery Authentication Code)
• Online booking has risen to nearly 98 per cent

Demand for smaller cylinders has also surged:

• 1.06 lakh 5-kg cylinders sold on April 8, up from a daily average of 77,000 in February

In a structural shift, more than 18,000 households have voluntarily surrendered LPG connections after switching to piped natural gas (PNG), signalling a gradual transition towards alternative fuels.

Maritime operations steady; over 1,800 seafarers brought home

India’s shipping and port operations have remained unaffected despite tensions around key global routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Authorities confirmed that:

• The India-flagged LPG vessel Green Asha safely reached Jawaharlal Nehru Port after crossing the Hormuz route
• No incident involving Indian ships or seafarers has been reported recently
• Over 1,800 Indian seafarers have been repatriated so far, including dozens in the past 24 hours

Port operations across major coastal states continue without congestion, ensuring uninterrupted trade flows.

2,170 Indians moved out of Iran via neighbouring countries

On the humanitarian front, India has stepped up evacuation efforts amid the evolving crisis.

The Embassy of India in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,170 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.

Those evacuated include:

• 971 students
• 657 fishermen

Officials said Indian missions in the region are operating round-the-clock helplines and coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure safe transit.

Meanwhile, air travel continues with adjustments. Since late February, around 8.15 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India, despite airspace restrictions in some countries.

Govt pushes PNG, alternative fuels to ease LPG pressure

The crisis has accelerated the government’s push towards cleaner and more stable fuel options.

Authorities are encouraging:

• Faster adoption of PNG connections
• Use of electric and induction cooking alternatives
• Reduced dependence on LPG, especially in urban areas

Gas supply to fertiliser plants has been increased to about 95 per cent of average consumption, while allocation to other sectors has also been stepped up.

Officials said these measures are aimed at balancing demand and ensuring long-term energy security.

Diplomatic outreach intensifies amid crisis

India is also actively engaging with countries in the region to safeguard its strategic and economic interests.

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is scheduled to visit the United Arab Emirates from April 11 to 12 to review bilateral cooperation and strengthen strategic ties.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is visiting Qatar from April 9 to 10 for discussions on energy cooperation.

Officials said India continues to advocate stability and free navigation in key maritime routes, while closely monitoring developments across West Asia.

No panic needed, says govt

In its advisory, the government urged citizens to avoid panic buying of fuel and LPG, stressing that supplies remain adequate.