**Executive Summary**
This inter-ministerial briefing, issued on April 1, 2026, outlines the Government of India’s response to recent developments in West Asia. It details measures to ensure the stability of agricultural inputs, domestic fuel prices, and the safety of Indian nationals and seafarers. Key deadlines include the extension of the National PNG Drive 2.0 until June 30, 2026, and the immediate implementation of calibrated price caps and excise duty reductions.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Agriculture and Commodities**
* **Seed and Fertilizer Security:** There is a surplus of 19.29 lakh quintals of seeds for Kharif 2026; fertilizer opening stocks are at 180 LMT (46% of requirement), which is significantly higher than previous years.
* **Price Stability:** Prices for agro-commodities remain stable, with slight improvements noted in the prices of tomatoes, onions, and potatoes.
* **Agrochemicals:** India maintains sufficient production of insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides, with weekly monitoring of industry stocks.
**Energy and Fuel Management**
* **Price Controls:** Retail prices for petrol and diesel remain unchanged. The government has reduced excise duties by Rs. 10 per litre and increased domestic LPG production to insulate consumers.
* **Export Levies:** To prioritize domestic supply, an export levy of Rs. 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs. 29.5 per litre on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has been imposed.
* **LPG Logistics:** Over 3.9 lakh 5kg FTL cylinders have been sold since March 23, 2026. Booking intervals have been adjusted (21–25 days in urban areas; 45 days in rural areas) to manage demand.
**Natural Gas and CGD Expansion**
* **Supply Prioritization:** Domestic PNG and CNG transport are receiving 100% supply, while industrial/commercial grid users are capped at 80% of average consumption.
* **Infrastructure:** The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026 has been notified to streamline pipeline expansion; PNG connections for schools and hostels are prioritized for completion within five days.
**Aviation and Maritime Operations**
* **ATF Pricing:** The government has limited the ATF price increase to 25% for domestic carriers to prevent industry-wide disruption and keep air travel accessible.
* **Maritime Safety:** 18 Indian-flagged vessels and 485 seafarers in the Persian Gulf are confirmed safe; port operations across India remain normal without congestion.
**Safety of Indian Nationals**
* **Evacuation and Transit:** 1,171 nationals have been facilitated to exit Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan. Alternate travel routes have been established through Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
* **Student Welfare:** Special measures are in place to ensure the academic year for Indian students in the Gulf is not disrupted, including coordination with boards like CBSE, ICSE, and the NTA.
**Impact Analysis**
**Farmers and Agricultural Stakeholders**
**Impact**
They benefit from a surplus of seeds and fertilizers, ensuring that the Kharif 2026 season remains unaffected by geopolitical tensions.
**Action Required**
Utilize fertilizers judiciously and cooperate with local "Dharti Mata Bachao Andolan Samitis" for equitable distribution.
**Domestic Consumers and Citizens**
**Impact**
Consumers are protected from global crude volatility through frozen retail prices and subsidized LPG, though they face longer booking intervals.
**Action Required**
Avoid "panic buying" of fuel; use digital modes for LPG bookings and transition to alternate fuels like PNG or electric cooktops where possible.
**Aviation Industry**
**Impact**
Domestic airlines receive critical relief from a 25% cap on ATF price increases, keeping operational costs manageable despite global surges.
**Action Required**
Maintain competitive pricing for domestic travelers and avoid the imposition of additional fuel surcharges.
**Indian Nationals in West Asia**
**Impact**
Nationals face travel restrictions and safety risks but have access to government-facilitated evacuation routes and 24/7 helplines.
**Action Required**
Follow official advisories, register with Indian Missions, and use designated transit routes through neighboring countries.
**State Governments and UTs**
**Impact**
Authorities are empowered to act against market distortions and are responsible for local infrastructure approvals.
**Action Required**
Invoke the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to prevent hoarding; institutionalize daily press briefings to counter misinformation and expedite CGD infrastructure approvals.
Key Entities Referenced
Essential Commodities Act, 1955: Legislation empowering States and Union Territories to take enforcement actions against hoarding and black marketing of agricultural and energy supplies.
LPG Control Order, 2000: A specific regulatory order used alongside the Essential Commodities Act to manage the distribution and prevent the illegal sale of LPG.
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB): The primary regulator directing City Gas Distribution entities to prioritize connections and managing the National PNG Drive 2.0.
Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026: A notified policy document aimed at streamlining pipeline expansion and improving last-mile connectivity for fuel distribution.
West Asia: The central geographic region whose evolving geopolitical situation and conflict are the primary drivers of this inter-ministerial policy briefing.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent
Developments in West Asia
Adequate seed availability for Kharif 2026
No shortage of Agriculture Inputs and Chemicals at any
stage; efforts underway to further augment availability
Prices of agro commodities stable and being closely
monitored
Government cushions impact of global ATF price surge; limits
increase for domestic airlines to insulate air travel costs
Regular retail prices for petrol and diesel unchanged
No increase in price for Domestic LPG Consumers
More than 3.9 lakh 5 kg FTL cylinders sold since 23 March
2026
Government making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol,
Diesel and LPG; citizens advised to avoid panic purchase
Government continues to closely monitor the evolving
situation in the West Asia region; all Indian seafarers in region
safe
Government paying special attention to welfare of Indian
students in the Gulf region to ensure that their academic year
is not impacted
Posted On: 01 APR 2026 5:53PM by PIB DelhiIn view of the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues to provide regular
updates to keep citizens informed. In this context, 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 shared updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, support extended to Indian
nationals in the region, and measures being taken to ensure overall stability. Senior officers from the
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Ministry of Civil Aviation also participated and briefed
the media in this context.
Agriculture Sector Update
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare shared an update on the likely impact of developments
in West Asia on the agriculture sector, along with measures being undertaken to minimise disruptions. The
Ministry informed that:
Seed Sector
· There is comfortable seed availability for Kharif 2026, with requirement of 166.46 lakh quintals
against availability of 185.74 lakh quintals, resulting in a surplus of around 19.29 lakh quintals.
· There is a surplus position across major crops, with paddy (+5.9%), soybean (+19%),
groundnut (+11.5%), maize (+12.7%), and pulses (tur/moong/urd) all showing positive availability
trends.
· Priority allocation of LPG/PNG has been ensured for seed drying for maize, along with
uninterrupted fuel supply through Oil Marketing Companies.
· Seed inputs for both Kharif and Rabi 2026 are also in place.
Fertilizers
· Fertilizer requirement for Kharif 2026 has been assessed at 390.54 LMT in consultation with
States, against which 180 LMT (46%) is available as opening stock—significantly higher than the
usual pre-season level of around 33%; efforts are underway to further augment availability and it
will be ensured that there is no shortage of agriculture inputs and chemicals at any stage.
· A meeting of DA&FW, Department of Fertilizers and State Secretaries was held on 30.03.2026
on judicious use of fertilizers and ensuring timely and orderly last-mile delivery.
· States have also been requested to take up special drives so that there is no hoarding or Black
marketing, or cross- border smuggling or diversion of fertilizer for non-agricultural use.
· Last year there was a campaign started for Dharti Mata Bachao Andolan Samitis set up at the
Gram Panchayat, Sub- Divisional and the District level. The States have again been requested to
mobilise these local committees for monitoring as well as equitable distribution.
· Innovative practices undertaken by States like Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Telangana were
shared with the States which made the distribution of fertilizers simpler.
Agrochemicals
· There are three types of Agro- Chemicals- Insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. India is one of
the larger producers of Agrochemicals. Sufficient quantity of Agrochemicals is available.
· Total production of Agrochemicals during 2025-26 (up to February 2026) is 2,61,099 MT. Total
estimated demand is 74,266 MT, of which around 42,000 MT is required during Kharif 2026.
· Continuous dialogue is being maintained with industry and States/UTs along with weekly
monitoring.· Crackdown on fake and spurious pesticides is being undertaken through a multi-stakeholder
coordinated approach.
· There is focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in collaboration with States.
· Encouragement of biopesticides and sustainable practices, along with strengthening farmer
awareness, surveillance, pest monitoring and precision advisory.
Price Situation of Agro Commodities
· Prices of agro commodities are by and large stable and are being closely monitored.
· The prices of tomato, onion & potato crops are in range and all three are showing slight
improvement in prices.
Energy Supply and Fuel Availability
An update on the prevailing fuel supply situation was shared, highlighting the steps being taken to
ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in view of the ongoing situation in
West Asia. It was noted that:
Crude and Refineries
· All refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude inventories in place. The
country is also maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel.
· Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
Retail Outlets
· All retail outlets are operating normally across the country.
· Regular retail prices for petrol and diesel are unchanged.
· The Middle East crisis has resulted in an abnormal increase in crude prices. To protect
consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10 per
litre.
· The Government has imposed an export levy of Rs. 21.5 per litre on diesel and Rs. 29.5 per litre
on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to ensure domestic availability.
· Instances of panic buying due to rumours have been noticed in certain areas, resulting in
unusually high sales and crowding at retail outlets. However, adequate stocks of petrol and diesel
are available across all petrol pumps in the country.
· The Government has reiterated its advice not to believe rumours and has requested State
Governments to disseminate correct information through press briefings.
Natural Gas
· Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to domestic PNG and CNG transport.
· Supplies to industrial & commercial consumers connected on grid is at 80% of their average
consumption.
· CGD entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments
such as restaurants, hotels and canteens.
· Supply to operating urea plants is steady at around 70–75% of their last six-month average
consumption. Additional LNG and RLNG are being sourced to maintain supply.· Industrial consumers, including fertiliser plants, have been advised to indicate additional
requirements on a spot basis.
· CGD companies such as IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL have offered incentives for domestic
and commercial PNG connections.
· The Government has requested States/UTs and Central Ministries to expedite approvals for CGD
expansion.
· Additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG has been offered to States/UTs linked to PNG
expansion reforms, and allocations have been recommended accordingly.
· PNGRB has directed CGD entities to prioritise PNG connections for institutions such as schools,
hostels and community kitchens within five days wherever feasible.
· The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has adopted an accelerated approval framework
for CGD infrastructure for three months.
· The Government has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026
to streamline pipeline expansion and improve last-mile connectivity.
· Ministry of Defence has issued a short-term policy modification to expedite PNG infrastructure
in defence residential areas.
· PNGRB has directed acceleration of D-PNG connections and extended National PNG Drive 2.0
till 30.06.2026.
· During March, more than 3.25 lakh connections were gasified, and over 2.85 lakh new
connections have been installed. 3.5 lakh new consumers have been registered for connections.
LPG
· Supply of LPG continues to be affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation.
· No increase in price for Domestic LPG Consumers.
· No dry-out has been reported at LPG distributorships.
· Online LPG bookings have increased to 92%.
· Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased from 53% to 81%.
· More than 60 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered yesterday.
· Supply of commercial LPG has been increased to 70% of pre-crisis levels. Additional allocations
are prioritised for sectors such as restaurants, hotels, industries and community kitchens.
· Since 23 March 2026, more than 3.9 lakh 5 kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
· More than 65,000 5 kg FTL cylinders have been sold yesterday.
· Around 55,622 MT of commercial LPG has been uplifted by States/UTs since 14 March 2026.
Kerosene
· An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been made to all States/UTs.
· Distribution through designated PSU OMC outlets has been enabled in PDS SKO-free
States/UTs.
· 17 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have
indicated no requirement.Role of State Governments / UTs
· States/UTs are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order,
2000 to act against hoarding and black marketing.
· States/UTs have been requested to:
Ø Institutionalise daily press briefings and issue public advisories
Ø Set up control rooms and helplines
Ø Monitor and counter misinformation
Ø Intensify enforcement drives and inspections
Ø Issue LPG and SKO allocation orders
Ø Fast-track CGD expansion
Ø Promote PNG and alternate fuels
Ø Nominate nodal officers for coordination
· 17 States/UTs are currently issuing press briefings.
Enforcement Action
· More than 2800 raids have been conducted to check hoarding and black marketing, with around
500 cylinders seized.
· PSU OMCs have conducted more than 1100 surprise inspections at retail outlets and LPG
distributorships.
· More than 560 show cause notices have been issued to LPG distributorships.
Government Measures
· Despite this war situation, Government’s has given highest priority to Domestic LPG and PNG,
along with high priority to hospitals and educational institutions.
· 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 fuel options like Kerosene and coal have been offered to ease pressure on LPG demand.
· Ministry of Coal has already issued order to Coal India and Singareni Collieries to allot higher
quantities to States for distributing coal to small, medium and other consumers.
· States have been advised to facilitate the new PNG connections for both domestic and
commercial consumers.
Public Advisory
· Govt. is making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Avoid Panic purchase
of Petrol, diesel and booking of LPG.
· Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.
· For LPG, citizens are requested to–
o Use Digital Mode for bookings
o Avoid visiting LPG distributors· Citizens are requested to use alternate fuels like PNG, induction/electric cooktops etc.
· In the current situation, all citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in
their daily usage.
Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) Pricing
Ministry of Civil Aviation shared the update on ATF pricing. It was stated that:
· The Indian aviation industry has welcomed the Government of India’s decision to implement a
limited increase of 25% in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices for domestic scheduled carriers on
domestic routes.
· This measure provides critical relief amid unprecedented global energy price surges arising from
disruptions in West Asia.
· The intervention ensures that domestic operational costs of Indian Carriers remain manageable.
· For Indian Carriers where fuel typically accounts for nearly 40% of total operating expenses for
Indian carriers; the calibrated increase helps prevent a potential industry-wide disruption.
· The limited increase of 25% on ATF price enables airlines to maintain competitive pricing for
domestic travellers, avoiding the need for additional fuel surcharges that would have been
necessary under market-linked pricing.
· Indian airlines have conveyed that such calibrated measures are essential for maintaining
operational stability and financial sustainability in a challenging global environment, while also
safeguarding passenger interests and strengthening sectoral resilience.
· On a daily basis more than 4.5 lakh passengers fly on domestic routes every day. This
announcement made this morning will benefit all these passengers.
The priority of the government is to ensure that air travel remains accessible. This measure will also
support the broader economy by ensuring the smooth movement of cargo and maintaining vital air
connectivity for trade and logistics.
Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations
An update on the current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf was shared, outlining the measures
being taken 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 closely monitor the evolving
situation in the West Asia region, in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian
Missions and maritime stakeholders.
· All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has
been reported in the past 24 hours. The situation remains stable with no incidents reported in the
recent period.
· A total of 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 Indian seafarers continue to remain in the western
Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping, in coordination with ship owners, RPSL
agencies and Indian Missions, is actively monitoring the situation.
· The DG Shipping Control Room remains operational 24×7 and has handled a cumulative 4,769
calls and over 9,599 emails since activation, including 70 calls and 245 emails in the past 24 hours,
and 214 calls and 535 emails over the past 48 hours.· DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 964 Indian seafarers so far from
the region, including 5 in the past 24 hours.
· Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported in the past 24 hours and
continue to remain stable. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Keralam, Andhra
Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.
· The Ministry continues to maintain close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs,
Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer safety, welfare and uninterrupted
maritime operations.
Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region
An update on the latest developments in the region, including ongoing assistance through Indian
Missions, was also shared by the Ministry of External Affairs. It was informed that:
· External Affairs Minister held a conversation with Portuguese Foreign Minister, H.E. Mr.
Paulo Rangel. Both sides exchanged views on the West Asia conflict and discussed further
strengthening bilateral cooperation.
· Embassy of India in Tehran has facilitated 1,171 Indian nationals, including 818 students, to
exit Iran via land borders into Armenia and Azerbaijan. Of these 977 crossed over into Armenia
and 194 into Azerbaijan. Appreciation has been conveyed to the authorities of Armenia and
Azerbaijan for their support in facilitating safe transit of Indian nationals from Iran.
· The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the
Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community
remaining the highest priority.
· A dedicated special control room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their
families, with continuous coordination being maintained with State Governments and Union
Territories.
· Indian Missions and Posts across the region are working continuously with round-the-clock
helplines, issuing regular advisories and maintaining close engagement with Indian community
associations, organizations and Indian companies, while remaining in close contact with local
governments.
· Missions continue to proactively address issues and concerns of Indian nationals, including
visa facilitation, consular services, facilitating transit through neighbouring countries amid
airspace restrictions and providing logistical support, where required.
· The Government is paying special attention to the welfare of Indian students in the Gulf
region and is making efforts to ensure that their academic year is not impacted. Missions are in
regular touch and coordinating with local authorities, Indian schools, concerned boards and the
National Testing Agency to address academic concerns relating to CBSE, ICSE, Kerala Boards
and JEE and NEET examinations through regular outreach to parents and students.
· The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the
region to various destinations in India. Since 28 February, around 5,98,000 passengers have
returned from the region to India.
· In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational
and safety considerations, with around 90 flights expected to operate to India.
· Flights are operating from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to different destinations
in India.· With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is expected to operate around 8 to 10
flights to India today.
· Kuwait and Bahrain airspaces remain closed. Jazeera Airways of Kuwait and Gulf Air of
Bahrain are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi
Arabia to various destinations in India.
· Due to flight restrictions and airspace closures, Indian nationals are being facilitated for travel
via alternate routes including:
Ø From Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan to India.
Ø From Israel, through Egypt and Jordan to India.
Ø From Iraq, through Jordan and Saudi Arabia to India.
Ø From Kuwait and Bahrain, through Saudi Arabia to India.
· In attacks in Dubai, 3 Indian nationals sustained minor injuries. They are receiving medical
treatment at local hospitals, and one has been discharged. The Consulate is in close contact
with the injured individuals and their families and is extending all assistance to them.
· An Indian national tragically passed away on March 11th in an incident on MT Safesea
Vishnu off the coast of Iraq. In a separate attack in Kuwait on March 29th, another Indian
national had unfortunately lost his life. Mortal remains of both the deceased Indian nationals
have arrived earlier today in India. Ministry is in regular touch with their families and
expressed deepest condolences to them at this difficult time.
********
MN
(Release ID: 2247895) Visitor Counter : 653
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