Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia About 1.47 Crore LPG cylinders delivered against bookings of around 1.36 Crore LPG cylinders in the last 3 days Since March 2026, about 10.02 Lakh PNG connections gasified and infrastructure created for additional 3.22 Lakh connections; about 9.94 Lakh customers registered for new connections. LNG carrier DISHA carrying approximately 62,370 MT of LNG cargo expected to berth at Dahej on 19 June 2026 Ministry of Shipping facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,639 Indian seafarers so far from various locations across the Gulf region प्रव तथ: 18 JUN 2026 4:57PM by PIB Delhi Amid 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 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations and assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. Energy Supply and Fuel Availability The 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: 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. Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certainminimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT). Based on requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), provision for C3-C4 molecules of 1120 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma, Chemical and Paint sector companies. Since 01-June-26, more than 7630 MT of C3-C4 Molecules (comprising Propylene and Butylene) and more than 6230 MT of Butyl Acrylate has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai, Mathura and Gujarat refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industries. Retail Fuel Availability and Pricing Measures All Retail outlets are operating normally across the country. Middle East crises has resulted into abnormal increase in the crude prices. In order to protect consumers from this impact, the Government of India has decided to absorb a part of this burden through a reduction in excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs. 10/litre. Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 15.06.2026 has increased the export levy on diesel from Rs. 13.50 per litre to Rs. 14 per litre and on ATF from Rs. 9.5 per litre to Rs. 12.5 per litre, while keeping the exports levy on petrol unchanged at Rs. 1.5 per litre. There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport. Supply to operating Urea Plants is currently at around 100% of their average consumption over the preceding six months. 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. Govt. of India has requested Govt. of States/UTs and Central Ministries to expedite approval of applications required for expansion of CGD network. Govt. 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. To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, Govt. of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy 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. States opting for this will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG. Since March 2026, about 10.02 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 3.22 Lakh connections, taking the total to 13.24 lakh connections. Further, about 9.94 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections. LPG Supply Domestic LPG Supply Status: LPG Supply continues to be affected by the prevailing situation. Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritised. No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.Online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to about 99% on industry basis yesterday. Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have been increased to about 96% to prevent diversion at the distributor level. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer. In the last 3 days, about 1.47 Crore LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of around 1.36 Crore LPG cylinders. Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures: Govt of India has decided to allocate total commercial allocation to 70% of the pre-crisis level incl. 10% reform based. In the last 3days- About 1.98 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold. More than 19,100 - 5kg FTL cylinders were sold through 1334 camps. Total of 22945 MT of Commercial LPG has been sold. About 928 MT of Auto LPG has been sold by PSU OMCs. 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. Government of India vide multiple letters and VCs have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Govt. of India vide letter dated 26.05.2026 has requested Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to issue appropriate directions to State/district authorities to monitor and review district-wise HSD/MS offtake pattern, intensify inspections and enforcement activities in vulnerable areas and along major transportation/industrial corridors to prevent unauthorized procurement of HSD through retail outlets by industrial and commercial consumers, and initiate prompt penal action against violators. Enforcement and Monitoring Actions Enforcement actions by States/UTs continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of Petrol, Diesel and LPG. LPG related enforcement – In the last 3 days, 21 FIRs have been registered, 6 persons have been arrested, and 1056 cylinders have been seized across the country. Similarly, the surprise inspections by the PSU OMCs officials are also continuing- LPG – In the last 3 days, Penalties have been imposed on 8 LPG distributorships for indiscipline behaviour. Retail Outlets – In the last 3 days, Penalties have been imposed on 4 Retail Outlets, and 598 Retail outlets have been put under suspension for violation of market discipline guidelines. 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 and educational institutions. Priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. Supply of 5 Kg FTL has been increased to support LPG requirement of migrant labour, student etc 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 to25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas, and prioritising sectors for supply. Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness Govt. is making all efforts to ensure availability of Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of Petrol, Diesel and booking of LPG. Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information. Citizens are requested to use alternate fuels like PNG, induction/electric cooktops, etc. Bulk and industrial consumers are requested to procure diesel from authorized procurement channels. In the current situation, all citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily usage. 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 measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that: The Malta-flagged LNG carrier DISHA (IMO: 9250713), managed by a SCI-led consortium, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on 15 June 2026 while carrying approximately 62,370 MT of LNG cargo bound for Dahej, India. The vessel is expected to berth at Dahej on 19 June 2026. The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), remains in continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions abroad, shipping companies, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers and provide all necessary assistance. DG Shipping Control Room Update: The Control Room has handled 13,187 calls and more than 29,376 emails since activation. In the last 72 hours, a total of 450 calls and 1,077 emails have been received from seafarers, their families, and maritime stakeholders. Repatriation Update: The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,639 Indian seafarers so far, including 47 in the last 72 hours from various locations across the Gulf region. Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. ************** TM (रलीज़ आईडी: 2274652) आगंतुक पटल : 459 इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Bengali , Gujarati , Odia , Tamil , Telugu , Kannada , Malayalam