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Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent
Developments in West Asia
Overall Stock Position of Fertilizers in the country is
comfortable; No change in the MRP of Major Fertilizers
Approx. 13.5 LMT DAP and 7 LMT NPKs secured from out of
Strait of Hormuz for arrival at Indian ports in May and June
Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to about 99% on an
industry basis yesterday
About 1.90 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders sold during the last four
days
About 7.37 Lakh PNG connections gasified; Infrastructure
created for additional 2.76 Lakh connections and 7.76 Lakh
new customers registered Since March 2026
More than 3,217 Indian seafarers safely repatriated so far,
including 61 in the last 96 hours from various locations across
the Gulf region
Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian
seafarers in the region with Indian Missions coordinating with
the local authorities, extending consular assistance, and
assisting for requests to return to India
Posted On: 18 MAY 2026 5:52PM 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 Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways,
External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, and measures being
undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilzers has also
shared updates regarding the availability and stock position of fertilizers in the country.
Fertilizer stock position and availabilityOverall Stock Position of Fertilizers in the country is comfortable.
For Kharif 2026, the fertiliser requirement has been assessed by DA&FW at 390.54 LMT, against
this stock as on today is around 200.98 LMT (more than 51%), significantly higher than the usual
level of about 33%. This reflects improved planning, advance stocking, and efficient logistics
management by the Government.
MRP of major fertilizers – No change in the MRP of Major Fertilizers.
Domestic production and import of fertilizers after crisis;- (Lakh Tons)
Product Domestic production after crisis Import reached on Indian Ports after
crisis
Urea 52.1 13.29
DAP 7.03 0.88
NPKs 17.33 4.09
SSP 9.76 0
MOP 0 3.49
Total 86.2 21.8
Domestic production of fertilizers after crisis has been 86.2 LMT against 93 LMT during the same
period last year. Total of approx. 108 LMT fertilizers has been added in the availability after crisis
situation.
India has secured approx. 13.5 LMT DAP and 7 LMT NPKs from out of SOH to be arrived at
Indian ports in May and June.
Global Tender for TSP and Ammonium Sulphate- Indian Fertilizers companies have issued
aggregated global tender for procurement of 4 LMT TSP and 3 LMT Ammonium Sulphate and
now under progress. These will help to ensure adequate availability during the peak season.
Global Tender for Ammonia and Sulphur - Indian Fertilizers companies have issued aggregated
global tender for procurement of 5.36 LMT Ammonia & 5.94 LMT Sulphur. These will help to
ensure adequate availability during the peak season.
Availability of inputs for production of fertilizers i.e. Urea and P&K fertilizers is being regularly
reviewed by the Department of Fertilizers.
DoF is regularly paying all the subsidy bills raised by the companies on weekly basis.
9 Meeting of EGoS held till date to ensure the adequate availability of the fertilizers and most of
the challenges in the availability addressed by EGoS.
India’s fertiliser security remains strong, stable, and well-managed, with availability consistently
exceeding requirement across all major fertilisers.
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: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.
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:
(cid:0) To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.
(cid:0) To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.
(cid:0) To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and
inspections in coordination with OMCs
(cid:0) To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.
(cid:0) To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted
distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability.
Enforcement and Monitoring Actions
Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of
LPG. During last 4 days, more than 6950 raids were conducted across the country.
PSU OMCs officials have conducted surprise inspections at about 2800 RO and LPG
distributorships during last 4 days across the country to ensure smooth supplies and to check
any hoardings/black marketing cases.PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on
428 LPG distributorships, and 80 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 increased to about 99% on an industry basis yesterday.
Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to about 95% to prevent
diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.
During the last 4 days, about 1.72 Crore LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of
around 1.69 Crore LPG cylinders.
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.
During last 4 days, about 1.90 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold.
Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised about 13,800 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL
Cylinders, wherein more than 2.22 Lakh - 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold.
Yesterday, around 2229 - 5kg FTL cylinders were sold through about 95 camps.
A three-member committee of Executive Directors of IOCL, HPCL and BPCL, in consultation with
State authorities and industry bodies finalises the plan for the sale of Commercial LPG in the
States/UTs.
Since May-26, total of 1,08,753 MT of Commercial LPG has been sold.
During last 4 days, total of 25,204 MT of Commercial LPG has been sold.
During last 4 days, about 888 MT of Auto LPG has been sold by PSU OMCs.
Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives
Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.
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.
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 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.
Since March 2026, about 7.37 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure
has been created for additional 2.76 Lakh connections, taking the total to 10.13 lakh
connections. Further, about 7.76 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.
Till 17.05.2026, more than 58,100 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 1120 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma,
Chemical and Paint sector companies.
Since 1st May 2026, more than 8730 MT of C3-C4 Molecules (comprising Propylene and
Butylene) and more than 3420 MT of Butyl Acrylate has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag,
Chennai, Mathura and Gujarat refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industry.
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 15.05.2026 has reduced the export levy on diesel
from Rs. 23 per litre to Rs. 16.50 per litre and on ATF from Rs. 33 per litre to Rs. 16 per litre.
Further, export duty on Petrol has been imposed to Rs. 3 per litre.
There are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country.
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:
Vessel Update: The Marshall Islands-flagged LPG carrier SYMI had safely crossed the Strait of
Hormuz on 13 May 2026. The vessel, carrying 19,965 MT of LPG cargo for India with 21 foreigncrew members onboard, berthed at Kandla late night on 16 May 2026 and has since completed
discharge of the entire cargo.
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 or
foreign vessels with Indian crew has been reported in the past 96 hours.
DG Shipping Control Room has handled 9,702 calls and more than 21,312 emails since activation.
In the last 96 hours, a total of 436 calls and 996 emails have been received from seafarers, their
families, and maritime stakeholders.
The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe
repatriation of more than 3,217 Indian seafarers so far, including 61 in the last 96 hours from
various locations across the Gulf region.
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 Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories
for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.
The dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian
nationals and their families.
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.
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.
UAE airspace is open. Indian and UAE carriers are operating flights from UAE to various
destinations in India.
Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations
in India.
Qatar airspace is partially open. Air India, Air India Express, Indigo and Qatar Airways are
operating flights from Qatar to various destinations in India.
Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating flights from Kuwait to
India.
Bahrain airspace is open. Air India Express, Indigo and Gulf Air are 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. Ministry has advised Indian nationals to avoid travelling to Iran and
urged those already there to leave with Indian embassy’s support. So far, Indian Embassy in
Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,551 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.
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