Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia Textiles and handicrafts sector under priority category for natural gas supply; Supplies maintained at 80% of past six months’ average consumption Customs duty deferred on 29 key textile inputs; Ministry of textiles pursues removal of customs duty for other inputs including MMF Value Chain, Cotton Ministry of textiles recommends anti-dumping duty removal/ deferment on EFY and VFY to safeguard downstream sectors More than 67,000 cylinders seized across the country with over 1160 FIRs registered, and 271 persons arrested since March 2026 Over 42,800 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website till yesterday More than 8300 MT of propylene and 870 MT of Butyl Acrylate sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai and Mathura refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industries since 9th April 2026 Ministry of Shipping facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,800 Indian seafarers so far, including 24 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region Overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India Posted On: 28 APR 2026 5:35PM by PIB DelhiAmid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. The Ministry of Textiles also shared updates regarding the textiles sector. Textiles and handicraft sector updates Ministry of Textiles has been in regular touch with stakeholders on the issues faced by the textiles and handicraft sector due to the West Asia crisis. A monitoring cell has been formed which is looking at measures that the Ministry can take to facilitate the industry. Some of the actions taken in response to the crisis are the following: Regular Stakeholder consultations The Ministry is holding periodic meetings with stakeholders on a weekly basis for monitoring the situation. These include meetings with Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Domestic Associations, regional cluster associations (Tirupur, Surat, Pali Balotra), state government officials. The Ministry is also in touch with the office of DG Shipping, GAIL and other agencies. The Ministry also organized an outreach programme on the Resilience & Logistics Intervention for Export Facilitation (RELIEF) Scheme of the Department of Commerce. Moreover, EPCs also organized their independent consultations. The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) organized a webinar on 6 April, 2026 on the RELIEF Measures. Export Promotion Council for Handicraft (EPCH) organized an awareness seminars on 20 April, 2026 on logistics challenges in the wake of the West Asia crisis. The discussions centered around global shipping disruptions, alternative routing, , logistics planning, cost optimization techniques and compliance issues. The advisories issued by DG Shipping are being circulated among the stakeholders. Some of the issues related to shipping lines such as use of alternate ports like Jeddah for supplies to West Asia are also being disseminated to stakeholders. Ensuring supplies of fuel/natural gas for the industry Ministry Of Textiles had taken up the issue with Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) for supply of natural gas to the textiles and handicraft industry. In response, GAIL indicated that textiles and handicraft sector are under the Priority Sector III/IV (industrial consumers) with supplies maintained at 80% of the past 6 months’ average consumption. In case of supply disruptions, GAIL is intermittently sourcing supplies from the spot market. The Ministry is monitoring the supply in the clusters. In case of any shortfall, the monitoring cell would take up the issue with GAIL authorities for spot market purchases. Removal of customs duty on inputs for the textiles and handicraft sector In the light of the price volatility and the need to ensure supply chain continuity for the downstream industry, the Ministry has been advocating the removal of customs duty on inputs in the textiles and handicraft sector. In this context, the Department of Revenue in its Customs Notification 12/2026 dated 1.4.26 removed customs duty on a number of products including inputs in the MMF sector. In the case of textiles sector, duties were deferred on 29 inputs including Monoethylene Glycol (MEG), Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) chips, Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), Methanol, Toluene, Styrene, Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM), Phenol, Acetic Acid, Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM), Ethylenediamine, Monoethanolamine/ Diethanolamine, Polyethylene(PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Acrylonitrile-butadiene- styrene (ABS), Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA), Polyvinyl alcohol, Epoxy resins, Polyurethanes, Polycarbonates, Alkyd resins, Unsaturated polyester resins, Toluene di- isocyanate (TDI), Polyols, and Linear Alkylbenzenes. Secondly, the Ministry has also taken up the issue of removal of customs duty with Department of Revenue on some of the other inputs namely: MMF value chain: a. Caprolactam b. Nylon chips Rayon Grade Wood Pulp Cotton Inputs for glassware manufacture namely Soda Ash (Sodium Carbonate) (HS 283620), Boric acid/ Boron oxide (HS 281000), Alumina (HS 281820), selenium compounds (HS 280490), cerium oxide (HS 284610), Zirconia refractories (HS 690390), Furnace burners/ systems (HS 841620, 841780), potassium nitrate (HS 283421), potassium carbonate (HS 283640), arsenic trioxide (HS 281129) and barium carbonate (HS 283660) Removal/ Deferment of Anti-Dumping duty Some of the downstream producers have also indicated that the anti-dumping duty on some of their inputs would adversely affect their sourcing in the light of the volatile prices. After undertaking an internal analysis taking into account the employment generated in the downstream sector, MSME participation in the downstream sector, supply chain disruptions etc the Ministry of Textiles has also suggested to the Department of Revenue for removal/deferment of anti-dumping duty on the following: Elastomeric Filament Yarn (EFY) Viscose Rayon Filament Yarn (VFY) Dissemination of information on Best Practices of State Governments In the meeting with State Governments and cluster associations, some of the best practices adopted by States were disseminated to stakeholders. Some of these included District Level Committee under the Chairmanship of DM/DC for reviewing the LPG distribution Encouraging MSME units to transit to piped natural gas (PNG) Opening of community kitchens for blue collar workers Use of alternate fuel like torrefied biomass from cotton stalk, instead of coal. Export Remission Schemes Some of the suggestions from stakeholders were on the Export remission schemes relating to the textiles sector. These schemes include the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RODTEP) and Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (ROSCTL). The suggestions include the increase of rates, restoration of rates for the period when they were reduced and enhancing the coverage of the scheme. These have been examined and taken up with the appropriate authorities. Proposals related to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)/ Export Promotion Mission (EPM) During the stakeholder consultations, some of the proposals related to FTP/ EPM. These include proposals on interest subvention, Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, Advance Authorisation (AA), etc. All the suggestions relate to facilitate exporters during the West Asia crisis. The matter has been examined internally and proposals sent to office of DGFT Energy Supply and Fuel AvailabilityThe Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that: Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG. Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors. Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops. All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation. Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport). For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026. The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply. Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand. The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers. States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers. Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing. Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs. The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized: To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories. To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media. To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs. To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability. All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing. Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs. Enforcement and Monitoring Actions Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 2800 raids were conducted across the country. Since March 2026, more than 67,000 cylinders have been seized in multiple raids across the country. Further, more than 1160 FIRs have been registered, and 271 persons have been arrested. PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 316 LPG distributorships, and 72 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday. Yesterday, show cause notices were issued to 46 LPG distributors, penalties were imposed on 6 distributorships, and 1 distributor was put under suspension. LPG Supply Domestic LPG Supply Status: LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation. Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized. No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships. Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to 99% on industry basis yesterday. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 93% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer. Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures: Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation. The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The total number of 5 Kg FTL cylinder sold during the month of Feb-26 was 21.7 Lakh. However, since 1st April 2026, about 20.32 Lakh - 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold. Yesterday, more than 82,000 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold across the country. Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 9350 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,53,000 - 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. Yesterday, 5436 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 220 camps A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution in the States/UTs. During the month of April-26 (till 27.04.26), a total of 1,75,205 MT (Equivalent to more than 92.21 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold. On 27.04.2026, 9578 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 5.04 Lakh - 19 Kg cylinders) was sold During the month of April-26 (till 27.04.2026), sale of Auto LPG has been more than 9500 MT as compared to the sale of around 5000 MT during Feb-26.Avg. Auto LPG sale by PSU OMCs in the month of April-26 (till 27.04.26) is around 353 MT/day against the avg. of around 177 MT/day during Jan-26 and Feb-26. This reflects an increase of around 100% in Auto LPG sales by PSU OMCs. Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport. The overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants has been enhanced to approximately 95% of their six- month average consumption. Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%. CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG. CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections. States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks. The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG. 22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms. The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an ‘Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines’ as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority. The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy. PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion. To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG. MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure. Since March 2026, about 5.60 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.64 lakh connections, taking the total to 8.24 lakh connections. Further, about 6.29 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections. Till 27.04.2026, more than 42,800 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website.Crude Position and Refinery Operations All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained. Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption. An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT). Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies. Since 9th April 2026, more than 8300 MT of propylene and more than 870 MT of Butyl Acrylate has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai and Mathura refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industry. Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures All Retail outlets are operating normally across the country. The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre. Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 11.04.2026 has increased the export levy on diesel to Rs. 55.50 per litre and on ATF to Rs. 42 per litre, to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market. Panic buying is observed at certain Retail Outlets due to rumours. It is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets. Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation. 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement. Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, detailing the measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations. All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours. DG Shipping Control Room Update: The Control Room has handled 7,920 calls and more than 16,838 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 140 calls and 180 emails have been received.Repatriation Update: The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,800 Indian seafarers so far, including 24 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region. Port Operations: Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that: The Dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families. The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts. Indian embassies and consulates continue to operate round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance and are proactively assisting our citizens. They are also in close contact with the local Governments. Updated advisories are being issued including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken for the community. Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. They are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns. Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting for requests to return to India. The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India. In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 105 flights expected today between UAE and India. Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India. With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights to various destinations in India. Air India and Indigo are also planning to resume flight operations from Qatar to India soon. Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited flight operations from Kuwait to India. Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India. Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. Iran airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to Iran and those already there are urged to leave via land border routes, with Indian Embassy’s support. So far, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,461 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes. Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. *** TM(Release ID: 2256300) Visitor Counter : 340 Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Bengali , Gujarati , Tamil , Telugu , Kannada , Malayalam