Govt Assures Fuel Supply Stability Amid West Asia Tensions
Centre says petrol, diesel and LPG stocks remain adequate across India
- Government says no fuel shortage at petrol pumps nationwide
- Over 5,000 raids conducted against LPG hoarding and black marketing
- More than 58,500 PNG users surrendered LPG connections voluntarily
- All Indian seafarers in Gulf region reported safe, says Centre
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st May: The Centre on Thursday assured citizens that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available across the country amid the evolving situation in West Asia, while urging people not to panic purchase fuel products.
During an inter-ministerial media briefing at the National Media Centre, officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways reviewed fuel availability, maritime operations and steps being taken to maintain supply stability.
The government said all retail fuel outlets across India are operating normally and no congestion or supply disruption has been reported.
Officials stated that all Indian seafarers in the Gulf region are safe and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels or foreign ships carrying Indian crew has been reported in the last 72 hours.
The Directorate General of Shipping control room has handled over 10,000 calls and more than 22,000 emails since activation, while over 3,316 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said the government has prioritised uninterrupted supply of domestic LPG, PNG and CNG despite geopolitical challenges.
Officials confirmed that no LPG distributorship has reported dry-outs and online LPG bookings reached nearly 99 per cent across the country.
Delivery Authentication Code-based LPG deliveries have also increased to around 96 per cent to prevent diversion and misuse of cylinders.
The government said over 1.34 crore LPG cylinders were delivered during the last three days against bookings of around 1.32 crore cylinders.
Authorities have intensified enforcement action against hoarding and black marketing, conducting more than 5,000 raids nationwide over the last three days.
Public sector oil marketing companies also carried out inspections at over 3,100 retail outlets and LPG distributorships, leading to penalties against 463 distributors and suspension of 81 LPG agencies.
To encourage transition towards cleaner fuels, the government said more than 58,500 PNG consumers voluntarily surrendered LPG connections through the MYPNGD.in platform till May 20.
Officials added that since March 2026, over 7.64 lakh PNG connections have been activated and infrastructure for an additional 2.81 lakh connections has been created.
The government also highlighted measures to protect consumers from rising global crude prices due to the Middle East crisis.
Excise duties on petrol and diesel were reduced by ₹10 per litre, while export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel were also cut.
Officials confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories and increased domestic LPG production.
The Centre appealed to citizens to avoid rumours, rely on official information and adopt energy conservation measures during the ongoing geopolitical situation.
