Last Updated on March 20, 2026 7:05 pm by BIZNAMA NEWS
Staff Reporter /New Delhi
The government on Friday assured that there is no shortage of fuel in the country, stating that all refineries are operating at maximum capacity with sufficient crude oil reserves. Officials confirmed that domestic LPG production remains stable and stocks are adequate to meet consumer demand.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi on the evolving situation in West Asia, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, said over 11,300 tonnes of commercial LPG were supplied across the country in the past week. She highlighted that domestic LPG production has risen by nearly 40 per cent, ensuring uninterrupted supply at retail outlets.
Sharma also noted a decline in panic buying, with online LPG bookings now accounting for 93 per cent of total orders. To curb black marketing and hoarding, authorities conducted more than 4,500 raids nationwide in a single day.
Meanwhile, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, confirmed that maritime operations remain stable. He said no incidents were reported in the past 24 hours, and all 22 Indian vessels along with 611 seafarers are safe. Authorities are continuously monitoring shipping activity, particularly in sensitive regions.
He added that ports across the country are functioning smoothly without congestion, and measures have been taken to ensure efficient cargo movement. The New Mangalore Port has also announced concessions on handling charges for crude oil and LPG to ease logistics.
On the diplomatic front, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with leaders of Oman, Malaysia, France, Jordan and Qatar. During these conversations, India emphasized the need for dialogue, de-escalation and peace in the region.
The Prime Minister also strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure, while all sides reiterated their commitment to ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Providing updates on evacuation efforts, officials said India has brought back 913 citizens so far, including 284 pilgrims, via the Armenia-Azerbaijan route.
Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem Mahajan, said 15 Indian crew members rescued from Iraq are expected to return home shortly. Earlier, 24 rescued Indian seafarers had already arrived from Oman.
He further informed that Qatar Airways is likely to operate 10 special flights to India. However, six Indian nationals have lost their lives in separate incidents in the Gulf region, while one person remains missing. Authorities in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq and the UAE are coordinating closely to trace the missing individual and ensure the early repatriation of mortal remains.
