Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

The inter-ministerial media briefing on developments in West Asia was held today at the National Media Centre. Such briefings are being conducted regularly to provide updates on the evolving situation. In today’s briefing, the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs, shared updates on fuel supplies, maritime operations, the status of Indian nationals in the region and public information efforts.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas briefed on the current fuel supply position and measures to ensure continued availability of petroleum products and LPG, in view of the situation relating to the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry stated:

Crude and Refineries

• All refineries are operating at high capacity and maintaining adequate crude oil inventories. India remains self-sufficient in petrol and diesel production and no imports are required to meet domestic demand.

Retail Outlets

• No cases of fuel dry-outs have been reported at retail outlets by Oil Marketing Companies, and supplies of petrol and diesel continue to be maintained regularly.
• Citizens are advised not to resort to panic buying as adequate stocks are available.

Natural Gas

• Priority sectors continue to receive protected gas supplies, including 100 percent supply to PNG and CNG, while supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at around 80 percent.
• Commercial LPG consumers in urban areas are encouraged to switch to PNG, and establishments such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals and hostels can obtain PNG connections from authorised City Gas Distribution (CGD) entities.
• CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
• The Government is expanding the CGD network and has requested States and UTs to expedite approvals and issue deemed permission for pending application for laying CGD pipelines, waive off road restoration and permission charges, relax working conditions and appoint nodal officers to support faster rollout.

LPG

• LPG supply continues to be monitored in view of the prevailing geopolitical situation.
• No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
• Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased by about 38%.
• Online LPG bookings have increased to about 94%, while Delivery Authentication Code coverage has expanded from 53% before the crisis to about 76% to prevent diversion.
• Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries continue as normal.
• Several States and UTs such as Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Manipur, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand have issued orders for allocation of non-domestic LPG in line with Government guidelines, and commercial LPG supply is being made available across States and UTs.

Kerosene

• An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States and UTs, which have been requested to identify distribution points.
• Several States including Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Manipur, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka have issued SKO allocation orders.

Meetings conducted by State Governments

• Under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000, States/UTs are empowered to take action against hoarding and black marketing.
• States/UTs are primarily responsible for monitoring and regulating the supply of Petrol, Diesel and LPG.
• Government of India, vide letter dated 13.03.2026, has asked Chief Secretaries to direct DMs/Collectors and enforcement agencies to conduct inspections and surprise checks.
• 27 States/UTs have set up control rooms and are also conducting press briefings.
• Several States/UTs, including Rajasthan, Telangana, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, have set up District Level Monitoring Committees; others are requested to do so urgently.

Enforcement action

• Enforcement actions are being intensified to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG across the country.
• More than 12,000 raids have been conducted and over 15,000 cylinders seized, with major actions reported in Delhi, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh.
• PSU Oil Marketing Companies have conducted over 2,500 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG distributorships to ensure smooth supply and prevent irregularities.

Other Government Measures

• The Government’s highest priority remains ensuring uninterrupted LPG supply, particularly for households and priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions.
• PNG consumers have been advised to surrender LPG connections under the LPG Control Order amendment dated 14 March 2026 to ease pressure on LPG supplies.
• Booking intervals have been revised to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas to ensure equitable distribution.
• Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to reduce pressure on LPG demand.
• PSU Oil Companies are promoting digital bookings and discouraging panic bookings, with improved adoption of online booking systems.
• Commercial LPG supply has been initiated in several States with support from State Governments.

Public Advisory

• Citizens are advised not to panic as adequate LPG supplies are being maintained for households and essential sectors.
• LPG cylinders can be booked through digital platforms such as IVRS, SMS, WhatsApp, mobile applications and e-commerce platforms.
• Citizens are appealed to avoid panic bookings, use digital modes and avoid unnecessary visits to LPG distributors.
• Consumers are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops and to conserve energy.
• Citizens are advised to rely on official sources for accurate information and avoid rumours.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways shared the latest position on maritime activities in the Persian Gulf and the measures taken for the safety of Indian vessels and crew. The Ministry noted that:

• All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no shipping incident involving Indian seafarers has been reported in the past 24 hours.
• At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.
• Since activation of the DG Shipping Control Room, 3,180 calls and 5,875 emails have been handled, including 150 calls and 378 emails in the past 24 hours from seafarers, their families and maritime stakeholders.
• DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 447 Indian seafarers, including 161 in the past 24 hours, from airports and regional locations across the Gulf.
• LPG carrier vessel Shivalik reached Mundra Port and discharge of cargo is underway, while vessel Nanda Devi arrived at Kandla early morning today and has commenced discharge for onward transfer to the East Coast, including Ennore and Haldia.
• All documentation and pre-arrival formalities were completed in advance to ensure priority berthing and expeditious discharge.
• Major ports are closely monitoring vessel movements and cargo operations and providing necessary support, including additional storage space such as about 90,000 Sq meter provided by V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) for transshipment containers.
• Reports regarding containers lying on roads outside Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) are incorrect. Containers are currently located at container freight stations, warehouses or factory premises as part of normal logistics operations.
• Congestion at JNPA is easing, with perishable containers reduced from about 2,000 to around 1,000.
• Vessels have sailed to ports such as Salalah and Khor Fakkan, with one more vessel scheduled to depart today carrying about 200 containers. The number of stranded containers is expected to further decline to around 600 within the next 24–48 hours.
• The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor shipping movements, port operations, safety of Indian seafarers and continuity of maritime trade in view of the evolving situation in West Asia.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

An update on developments concerning the region was shared, including ongoing assistance and outreach through Missions, the Ministry of External Affairs informed that:

• The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. The safety, well-being and security of the Indian community remain the highest priority. A dedicated MEA control room remains operational, and coordination continues with State Governments and Union Territories.
• External Affairs Minister visited Belgium at the invitation of the EU High Representative and Vice President Ms. Kaja Kallas to attend the EU Foreign Affairs Council.
• During the meeting, discussions covered India-EU relations and pressing global challenges, particularly the situation in West Asia and its implications for energy security, with emphasis on dialogue and diplomacy.
• On the margins of the Council, External Affairs Minister held bilateral meetings with the EU High Representative and Vice President and Foreign Ministers of Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, the Netherlands and Slovakia, where views were exchanged on recent international developments.
• Over 700 Indian nationals have crossed over from Iran into Armenia (around 600) and Azerbaijan, including about 50 additional crossings to Armenia yesterday.
• Of the 284 Indian pilgrims who had crossed into Armenia, around 130 are expected to arrive in Delhi today.
• The MEA control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals. However, the number of calls or emails to the Control Room have come down significantly. Yesterday, 22 calls and 6 emails were received and attended to.
• Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, operating 24×7 helplines, maintaining contact with Indian community organisations and issuing regular advisories. Missions remain in touch with local authorities and are extending assistance to stranded Indians, students, seafarers and short-term visitors, including visa support, logistical assistance and transit facilitation.
• Since 28 February, around 2,44,000 passengers have returned from the region to India.
• In the UAE, airspace was temporarily closed earlier today and later reopened. Limited non-scheduled flights continue to operate, with about 55 flights on 16 March 2026 and around 70 flights expected today from various UAE airports to India. Passengers are advised to check updated schedules with airlines and may contact Indian Missions for assistance.
• Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
• Qatar airspace remains partially open, with three flights operated to India on 16 March 2026 and three flights expected today.
• Kuwait airspace remains closed since 28 February 2026. Special non-scheduled flights by Jazeera Airways are expected to operate from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.
• For Indian nationals in Bahrain and Iraq, where airspace remains closed, transit through Saudi Arabia continues to be facilitated.
• The mortal remains of the two Indian nationals who lost their lives in the Sohar incident of 13 March 2026 have been received by their families in Jaipur. The Government of India conveys its deepest condolences.
• The Embassy remains in contact with hospital authorities and the company concerned to monitor the condition of the injured Indian nationals, none of whom are critically injured.
• The Mission team in Basra continues to assist the 15 Indian crew members who were safely evacuated and are currently staying in a hotel. Efforts are underway for their early return to India.
• The Mission is also coordinating with Iraqi authorities for early repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased Indian national.
• Five Indian nationals have lost their lives in recent incidents and one remains missing. The mortal remains of two Indian nationals from Oman have been repatriated to India today.
• Indian Missions in Oman, Iraq and the UAE remain in contact with concerned authorities regarding the missing individual and for early repatriation of the remaining mortal remains after completion of requisite formalities.

The Government reiterated that it remains vigilant and continues close coordination among concerned Ministries and agencies, with necessary steps being taken to safeguard key sectors and national interests.