The government, on Wednesday, sought to reassure citizens and markets that India’s energy supplies remain secure despite the escalating tensions in West Asia. At an inter-ministerial briefing, officials from the petroleum, shipping, external affairs and information and broadcasting ministries outlined steps being taken to safeguard energy supply chains and assist Indian nationals in the region.
Sujata Sharma from the petroleum ministry said India’s crude oil supply remains stable, with the country currently holding around 55 lakh barrels of crude oil sourced from about 40 countries. She said the diversified sourcing strategy has helped cushion the country against geopolitical disruptions in any single region.
“Two additional crude cargoes are on their way to India, which will further strengthen the supply position,” she said, adding that all domestic refineries are operating at 100 per cent capacity.
Gas supply and procurement
On natural gas, Sharma said India’s daily consumption stands at about 189 million metric cubic metres, of which 79.5 million metric cubic metres is produced domestically, while the remaining demand is met through imports.
She said the government is also exploring procurement through alternative channels to ensure that supplies remain uninterrupted if the situation in the region affects existing supply routes.
LPG supply and distribution
The government also addressed concerns regarding cooking gas supplies, noting that around 60 per cent of India’s LPG requirement is imported, with nearly 90 per cent of these imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor in West Asia.
Sharma said the government has taken measures to ensure the uninterrupted availability of LPG for domestic consumers. Domestic production has been increased and prioritised for household use.
“Hospitals and educational institutions are being prioritised for supply, while commercial LPG users have temporarily been put on hold,” she said.
The current price of an LPG cylinder in Delhi stands at Rs 913, while beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana receive cylinders at Rs 613.
She also urged consumers not to resort to panic buying. According to officials, the normal LPG delivery cycle remains around 2.5 days, and there is no need for panic booking. To prevent diversion and ensure that cylinders reach genuine consumers, the government has implemented the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) system, which now covers around 90 percent of deliveries.
“This is an international challenge, but we remain committed to ensuring uninterrupted supply,” Sharma said.
Shipping operations under watch
Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the shipping ministry said Indian vessels operating in the region are being closely monitored.
Currently, 28 Indian-flagged vessels with 677 Indian sailors are operating in the western side of the region, while four vessels with 101 Indian sailors are operating in the eastern sector.
Sinha said port operations remain normal, and the government is maintaining continuous monitoring of vessel movements and communication with shipping companies and crews.
Indians in West Asia
The ministry of external affairs said it is closely tracking the situation and maintaining regular contact with Indian citizens in the region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the government has set up a 24-hour control room to assist Indians seeking information or help.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely and remain in regular touch with our missions. Our missions are also in touch with Indian nationals in the region,” he said.
The control room received around 75 phone calls and emails on Tuesday, and officials said all queries were addressed.
Jaiswal also confirmed that two Indian nationals have died and three others remain missing after an incident involving a merchant vessel.
Indians in Iran
Officials said there are around 9,000 Indian nationals in Iran, including a significant number of students.
As a precautionary measure, Indian missions have begun relocating some individuals
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "Our embassy helping Indian nationals in land crossing to Armenia, Azerbaijan, from Iran."
Diplomatic outreach
Assem R. Mahajan, additional secretary handling Gulf affairs in the external affairs ministry, said Indian missions are coordinating closely with host governments in the region.
“Our primary focus is the safety of Indian nationals. Missions are providing real-time assistance and issuing advisories whenever necessary,” he said.
Government warns against hoarding
Information and broadcasting secretary C. Senthil Rajan said the central government is coordinating with states to prevent panic and ensure that essential commodities remain available.
He said the Union home secretary has spoken with state chief secretaries and directors general of police, directing them to remain vigilant against hoarding and black marketing.
“All necessary measures have been taken by the government. Citizens should avoid panic buying and hoarding,” Rajan said.
Officials said the government will continue to closely monitor developments in West Asia and take further steps if required to ensure energy security, safe maritime operations and the welfare of Indian citizens abroad.
