India Maintains Fuel Stability, Repatriates 3,217 Seafarers

The central government confirmed on Monday that fuel supplies across India remain stable despite the evolving West Asia crisis, with over 1.72 crore LPG cylinders delivered in the past four days and more than 3,217 Indian seafarers safely repatriated from the Gulf region.

During an inter-ministerial briefing at the National Media Centre in New Delhi, officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, External Affairs, and Chemicals and Fertilizers detailed measures to maintain energy security, ensure maritime safety, and protect Indian nationals.

Fuel Distribution and Supply

Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to nearly 99 per cent on an industry basis on Saturday, while Delivery Authentication Code-based deliveries rose to approximately 95 per cent to prevent diversion and black marketing. Around 1.90 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders were sold during the last four days to support migrant workers and vulnerable groups.

The government urged citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol, diesel, and LPG, emphasizing that adequate stocks are available nationwide. All retail fuel outlets and refineries are functioning normally, while domestic LPG production has been increased to support household consumption.

To cushion consumers from rising crude oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, the government reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre. Export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel were also lowered, while an export duty of ₹3 per litre was imposed on petrol.

Enforcement Measures

The government intensified enforcement against hoarding and black marketing, conducting more than 6,950 raids across the country in the past four days. Surprise inspections were carried out at around 2,800 petrol pumps and LPG distributorships, with penalties imposed on 428 LPG distributors and 80 distributorships suspended.

Natural Gas and PNG Expansion

More than 7.37 lakh PNG connections have been activated since March 2026, while infrastructure for an additional 2.76 lakh connections has been created. Over 7.76 lakh customers have registered for new PNG connections, and more than 58,100 consumers have surrendered LPG connections in favor of PNG through the MYPNGD.in portal.

The National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended until June 30 to accelerate PNG adoption and reduce dependence on LPG.

Fertilizer Availability

The overall fertilizer stock position remains comfortable ahead of the Kharif season, with current stocks at around 200.98 lakh metric tonnes, accounting for more than 51 per cent of the estimated requirement of 390.54 LMT. The government confirmed there will be no change in the Maximum Retail Price of major fertilizers.

India has secured approximately 13.5 LMT of DAP and 7 LMT of NPK fertilizers from outside the Strait of Hormuz for arrival at Indian ports during May and June.

Maritime Operations and Seafarer Safety

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are currently safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels or Indian crew members reported in the last 96 hours. The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the safe return of more than 3,217 Indian seafarers, including 61 repatriated during the last four days.

Port operations across India remain normal without congestion. The Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier Symi, carrying nearly 19,965 metric tonnes of LPG cargo for India, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on May 13 and berthed at Kandla port on May 16, where the cargo has been fully discharged.

Consular Support

Indian missions across the Gulf and West Asia continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals. The overall flight situation from the region is improving, with additional flights operating from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain to various Indian destinations.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the evacuation of 2,551 Indian nationals through land border routes. Officials reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation and remains committed to ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply, fertilizer availability, maritime operations, and the safety of Indian citizens abroad.