Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia DPIIT accelerates regulatory and facilitative measures to ensure continuity of industrial operations and stabilize supply chains Over 467 applications for CNG and CBG dispensing stations disposed of on priority basis since 25 March 2026; fast-tracks expansion of gas infrastructure Approvals granted for 41 biogas cylinder filling and storage plants; promotes alternate and cleaner fuel availability Temporary regulatory relaxations enabled for SKO storage, LPG unloading and LNG filling to ensure uninterrupted fuel supply and last-mile distribution DAC based deliveries increased to around 94% to prevent diversion More than 20.08 Lakh - 5 Kg FTL cylinders sold since 23rd March 2026 About 5.10 Lakh PNG connections gasified with infrastructure created for additional 2.56 lakh connections along with about 5.77 Lakh customers registered for new connections Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima, carrying 31 Indian seafarers expected to arrive at Mumbai today at around 1800 hours Around 11.91 lakh passengers travelled from the region to India since 28 February Posted On: 22 APR 2026 5:42PM by PIB DelhiAs part of its ongoing outreach to keep the media informed on the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India convened a briefing at the National Media Centre today. Officials 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 Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade Ministry of Commerce and Industry also shared updates during the briefing. Industrial activities and sectoral updates: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is actively implementing a range of regulatory and facilitative measures to ensure continuity of industrial activities, maintain supply chain stability and support key manufacturing amidst the evolving West Asia situation. The measures aim to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel and essential inputs while addressing operational challenges faced by industry. DPIIT continues to engage closely with stakeholders and the actions outlined represent measures taken till date. Facilitative measures for ensuring availability of fuel and gas Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has undertaken multiple facilitative and safety oriented measures to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuels and gas amid the ongoing crisis: Total 467 applications for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Compressed bio gas (CBG) Dispensing stations were received by PESO and all were disposed on priority basis since 25th March 2026 till 21st April 2026. Out of 467 cases, in 157 cases final licenses were granted and 38 prior approval were granted for construction of new CNG/ CBG dispensing stations. Since March 2026, 41 Bio Gas cylinder filling and storage plants have been granted approval and subsequently license have been issued to 14 plants. Temporary storage relaxations for Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) were granted, permitting storage up to 2,500 liters (12.03.2026) and a onetime relaxation up to 5,000 liters for PDS kerosene to ensure last mile distribution continuity (13.03.2026). To safeguard domestic availability, a complete export ban on Ammonium Nitrate was imposed on 18.03.2026. Guidelines permitting LNG filling in cryogenic cylinders were issued to promote decentralized LNG supply, enhancing fuel flexibility during disruptions. PESO issued directions on 20th March 2026 for time bound disposal of applications (within 10 days) of CNG stations and decompression units to fast-track infrastructure augmentation. To address immediate supply constraints, permission was granted for LPG unloading at Porbandar Jetty on 14.03.2026. For improved transparency, the list of Peso approved container manufacturers and capacities for PDS kerosene and diesel supply was uploaded on the PESO website on 01.04.2026. A temporary six-month exemption from approval requirements for CNG/CBG compressors was issued on 01.04.2026 to fast-track commissioning of dispensing stations. The following long-term initiatives were implemented to promote alternate fuels: Guidelines were issued on 25.03.2026 for installation of District Pressure Regulating Skids (DPRS) at CNG/CBG stations to address land constraints and expand gas dispensing infrastructure. Guidelines were issued on 25.03.2026 permitting filling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in cryogenic cylinders, facilitating supply of natural gas to remote or non-pipeline areas.Approvals were granted on 25.03.2026 (for combination valves) and 27.03.2026 (for pressure relief valves) for Dimethyl Ether (DME) jumbo cylinders following successful prototype trials which promotes the use of Dimethyl Ether as an alternative industrial fuel. Guidelines were issued on 02.04.2026 permitting night-time operations, particularly for LPG bottling plants, which will result in extended operational hours, thereby enhancing production capacity. Commissioning permission was granted on 30.03.2026 to Petronet LNG for an additional 5 MMTPA re-gasification capacity at the Dahej terminal, increasing total capacity to 22.5 MMTPA and improving natural gas availability for CGD networks. Measures to reduce oil consumption (Boilers) An advisory was issued on 07.04.2026 to State Governments under sub section (3) of Section 38 of the Boilers Act, 2025, with the following actions: Three-month temporary extension of boiler certificates for power plants and other high-capacity boilers (≥100 TPH), subject to verification of operating parameters and satisfactory external inspection by Competent Persons. Three-month temporary extension of boiler certificates for high-capacity boilers in major oil and gas units, including refineries, petrochemicals and fertilizer plants, subject to prescribed safety safeguards, parameter verification and satisfactory external inspection. Promotion of diversification in fuel usage, encouraging the adoption and use of alternate fuels across industrial sectors. Cooktop / Induction Cooktop Sector Stakeholder consultations were held by DPIIT in coordination with the Department of Commerce and the Ministry of Power to address demand–supply challenges in the induction cooktop sector and assess immediate measures required to stabilize supply and prices. Mandatory energy efficiency and Quality Control Order (QCO) timelines for induction cooktops have been extended, and corresponding amendment and eGazette notifications were issued on 06.04.2026, in view of manufacturers’ difficulty in meeting earlier deadlines. Paint Industry Based on inter-ministerial consultations and a Joint Working Group meeting, the following measures were undertaken: Basic Customs Duty (BCD) was reduced to zero on HDPE, LLDPE and PPCP (HSN 3901 and 3907) vide notification dated 01.04.2026 to ease raw material shortages. Allocation of industrial LPG was enhanced from 50% to 70% of their pre-March 2026 bulk non- domestic LPG consumption, as per MoPNG order dated 08.04.2026. DPIIT, vide letter dated 08.04.2026, conveyed paint industry raw material requirements to MoPNG, following which MoPNG instructed IOCL (Mathura and Vadodara) to supply Butyl Acrylate equivalent to 0.2 TMT/day of Propylene. As per MoPNG request, DPIIT has provided, requirement of Polypropylene Copolymer and buyers on 13.04.2026.Further, DPIIT vide letter dated 16.04.2026 to MoPNG, has provided allocation industry wise of requirement of Petrochemical raw materials and packaging raw material for Paint Industry. The Quality Control Order (QCO) on butyl Acrylate was relaxed by DCPC on 10th April 2026 for a period up to 10th July 2026, with the objective of enhancing domestic availability. Paper Industry To address shortages of critical chemicals, Basic Customs Duty was reduced to zero on Styrene, Methanol and ABS on 01.04.2026, ensuring stability in raw material supplies. Tyre Industry To address shortages of critical chemicals, Basic Customs Duty was reduced to zero on chemicals and solvents - such as Polybutadiene, Styrene Butadiene Rubber and resins used as raw materials in tyre manufacturing. In March 2026, the RoDTEP rate for tyres was restored to its original level (~1.3%), after having been reduced by 50% to ~0.6–0.7% in February 2026. Glass Industry Recognizing the need for uninterrupted furnace operations: Allocation of PNG at 80% of the average consumption of the previous six months was notified by MoPNG on 09.03.2026. Allocation of industrial LPG was enhanced from 50% to 70% of their pre-March 2026 bulk non- domestic LPG consumption, as per MoPNG order dated 08.04.2026. Leather and Footwear Sector Basic Customs Duty relaxations were extended on critical inputs such as EVA, PVC, PU and SBS through Customs Notification No. 12/2026, issued on 01.04.2026. To address the issues of price escalation and supply shortage of PVC Paste Resin (falling under 39041010) raised by industry stakeholders, on 21.04.2026 the matter has been referred to Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) for consideration of reduction in Anti-Dumping Duty (ADD). Ceramic Sector In Morbi, ~80% of ceramic units were using Propane/LPG, while only ~20% were using piped natural gas supplied by Gujarat Gas. On 09.03.2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notified allocation of PNG at 80% of the average consumption of the previous six months, ensuring supply continuity for existing gas users (~20% of units).Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, in consultation with industry stakeholders, facilitated supply arrangements for the remaining ~80% units that were not previously utilizing piped gas. The issue of gas pricing disparities has also been addressed through rationalization for all users, i.e. both existing and new users. Energy Supply and Fuel Availability The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is taking steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in the context of the ongoing situation involving the Strait of Hormuz. As per Ministry: 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. The Government 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 3200 raids were conducted, wherein about 285 cylinders were seized across the country. PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 290 LPG distributorships, and 68 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday. 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 have increased to 98% on industry basis yesterday. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 94% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer. On 21.04.2026, more than 51 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered. 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). Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 7800 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,17,000 - 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. Yesterday, 8112 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 350 camps. Recently, at one of the 5 kg FTL awareness camps organised by IOCL at Turbe (Navi Mumbai) on 21st April 2026, a good response was observed and about 410 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold during the day. On 21.04.2026, around 80,000 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold.Since 23rd March 2026, more than 20.08 Lakh - 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold. 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 21.04.26), a total of 1,31,879 MT (Equivalent to more than 69.4 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold. On 21.04.2026, 8199 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 4.3 Lakh - 19 Kg cylinders) was sold. 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 5.10 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.56 lakh connections, taking the total to 7.66 lakh connections. Further, about 5.77 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections. Till 21.04.2026, more than 40,600 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 5600 MT of propylene has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi and Mathura refineries to Chemical and Pharma Industry. Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures Retail outlets across the country are operating normally. 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. 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 current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, along with measures being undertaken to safeguard Indian vessels and crew, was also briefed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It was stated that: It has been alleged that the captain of the vessel, Sanmar Herald made a payment in USD to an individual claiming to represent the IRGC Navy in exchange for passage rights through Strait of Hormuz, and subsequently fell victim to cybercrime. Ministry has spoken with ownerof the vessel and it has been confirmed that no such payment was made and no such incident occurred. Accordingly, the reports circulating in this regard are false and do not reflect the factual position. 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. Vessel Update: Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April 2026. The vessel, carrying 31 Indian seafarers, is expected to arrive at Mumbai today (22 April 2026) at around 1800 hours. DG Shipping Control Room Update: The Control Room has handled 7,242 calls and more than 15,319 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 156 calls and 344 emails have been received. Repatriation Update: The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,615 Indian seafarers so far, including 25 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: Dedicated special control rooms in the Ministry of External Affairs are operational and are working in coordination with Indian missions. 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 Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local Governments. Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support our community. Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. Ambassadors are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, an 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. Flights continue to operate from the region to India from countries where airspace is open. Since 28 February, around 11,91,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India. In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 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. Kuwait airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia 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 remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. Israel: 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: 2254573) Visitor Counter : 497 Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Bengali , Gujarati , Odia , Tamil , Kannada , Malayalam