New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday assured that India has sufficient stock of petrol, diesel and LPG, amid concerns triggered by the ongoing tensions in West Asia, while urging consumers to avoid panic buying.
No shortage of fuel, says government
At an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that there is no shortage of essential fuels across the country.
She noted that domestic LPG production has been ramped up in refineries to meet demand. “There was some panic booking observed, but no dry-out has been reported at any distributor,” she said.
According to officials, around 7,000 tonnes of commercial LPG were lifted in a single day, reflecting steady supply and distribution.
PNG connections and supply expansion
The government also highlighted efforts to expand domestic gas access. Around 7,500 commercial and domestic piped natural gas (PNG) connections were approved recently as part of ongoing infrastructure expansion.
Officials emphasised that such measures are aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to fuel for households and businesses.
Shipping operations continue smoothly
Providing an update on maritime logistics, Rajesh Kumar Sinha from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that shipping operations remain stable despite geopolitical tensions.
He stated that 20 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the western part of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy transit route.
Of these, five vessels are carrying LPG with a combined capacity of approximately 2.32 lakh metric tonnes, ensuring continued supply to India.
Key LPG shipments en route
Two major vessels, Jag Vasant and Pine Gas, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are en route to Indian ports.
Pine Gas, carrying around 45,000 metric tonnes of LPG, is expected to reach New Mangaluru Port on the morning of March 27. Meanwhile, Jag Vasant is scheduled to arrive at Kandla Port on March 28.
Officials also indicated that another vessel currently operating in the region will be loaded with LPG within the next three to four days.
Air connectivity and evacuation readiness
On the aviation front, Aseem Mahajan from the Ministry of External Affairs stated that 85 flights are expected to operate from the UAE to India, ensuring connectivity and preparedness for any contingencies.
Fertiliser stock adequate for Kharif season
In addition to fuel supply, the government reassured that fertiliser availability remains sufficient for the upcoming agricultural cycle.
Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that adequate fertiliser stocks are in place for the 2026 Kharif season, easing concerns among farmers.
Conclusion
The Centre’s comprehensive update aims to allay fears arising from global uncertainties, particularly in the energy sector. With sufficient stock, active shipping routes and increased domestic production, authorities have reiterated that there is no immediate cause for concern and urged citizens to rely on official information.