Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia Overall Stock Position of Fertilizers in the Country is Comfortable; Availability Consistently Exceeds Requirement About 1.72 Crore LPG cylinders delivered against bookings of around 1.66 Crore LPG cylinders during the last 4 days PSU OMCs organised about 15,400 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders and sold more than 2.45 Lakh - 5Kg FTL cylinders during these camps since 3rd April 2026 About 7.99 Lakh PNG connections gasified and infrastructure created for additional 2.87 Lakh connections, taking the total to 10.86 lakh connections since March 2026 Indian Missions in the region continue to be in touch with community members and organizations to ensure their wellbeing and welfare Posted On: 25 MAY 2026 6:16PM 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, External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has also shared updates regarding the availability and stock position of fertilizers in the country. Fertilizer stock position and availability The Department of Fertilizers has stated that India’s fertilizer security remains strong, stable, and well- managed, with overall availability consistently exceeding requirements across all major fertilizers. The overall stock position of fertilizers in the country remains comfortable. For the upcoming Kharif 2026 season, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) has assessed the total fertilizer requirement at 390.54 Lakh Metric Tonnes (LMT). Against this requirement, the current stock stands at approximately 200.12 LMT, which covers more than 51% of the total need. This is significantly higher than the usual buffer level of about 33%.This robust supply reflects the Government's improved planning, advance stocking, and efficient logistics management. Following the recent crisis situation, a total of approximately 117.6 LMT of fertilizers has been successfully added to the overall availability through a combination of imports and domestic production. The details of domestic production and imports of fertilizers after the crisis are as follows (in Lakh Tons): Urea: Domestic production stood at 57.66, and imports reached on Indian ports at 13.60 DAP: Domestic production stood at 7.93, and imports reached on Indian ports at 0.88 NPKs: Domestic production stood at 18.71, and imports reached on Indian ports at 4.44 SSP: Domestic production stood at 10.70, with no imports MOP: There was no domestic production, and imports reached on Indian ports at 3.68 Total: The total domestic production was 95, and total imports reached on Indian ports stood at 22.60 To further ensure adequate availability during the peak season, India has successfully secured approximately 13.5 LMT of DAP and 9 LMT of NPKs (including AS) from out of the Strait of Hormuz (SOH) region. These consignments are scheduled to arrive at Indian ports in May and June. The Department of Fertilizers is regularly reviewing the availability of essential inputs required for the production of fertilizers, namely Urea and P&K fertilizers. Furthermore, to support the operational efficiency of the industry, the Department is consistently paying all subsidy bills raised by the companies on a weekly basis. To tackle supply chain issues, 9 meetings of the Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) have been held to date. These meetings have been instrumental in ensuring adequate fertilizer availability, with most challenges having been effectively addressed by the EGoS. Highlighting the success of these comprehensive measures, the Ministry noted: “भारत सरकार के प्रभावी प्रयास स ेदेश म घरेलू उादन म लगातार वृ हो रही ह।ै देश म उवरक का पयाप्त भंडार उपलब्ध ह,ै जससे कसान क आवश्यकताओं क नयमत पूत सुनत हो रही ह ैऔर उ कफायती दर पर उवरक आसानी से उपलब्ध कराए जा रह ेह।” 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 wherein the following points are being 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 6480 raids were conducted, more than 680 cylinders were seized, 11 FIRs were registered and 1 person was arrested across the country. Similarly, the surprise inspections by the PSU OMCs officials are also continuing and during last 4 days, inspections at more than 4100 RO and LPG distributorships have been conducted. PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 489 LPG distributorships, and 82 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 last 4 days, about 1.72 Crore LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of around 1.66 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 1.96 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold. Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised about 15,400 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 2.45 Lakh - 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. Yesterday, around 1487 - 5kg FTL cylinders were sold through about 82 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 1-May-26, total of 1,56,898 MT of Commercial LPG has been sold. During last 4 days, total of 24,557 MT of Commercial LPG has been sold. During last 4 days, about 942 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 7.99 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.87 Lakh connections, taking the total to 10.86 lakh connections. Further, about 8.27 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections. Till 24.05.2026, more than 59,800 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website. Crude Position and Refinery OperationsAll 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 C3-C4 molecules of 1120 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma, Chemical and Paint sector companies. Since 1st May 2026, more than 12360 MT of C3-C4 Molecules (comprising Propylene and Butylene) and more than 4700 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 crisis has resulted in 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. Unusually high sales and heavy crowding is observed at Retail outlets in certain areas. However, it is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely follow developments in the West Asia region. Prime Minister paid a highly successful visit to the United Arab Emirates on 15th May 2026. Several key agreements were signed during the visit which gave a boost to India’s energy security [enhance Strategic Petroleum Reserve and LPG supply] and to investments in the country. In addition, India also signed a Framework for the Strategic Defence Partnership. On the investment side, UAE entities have pledged to invest US$ 5 billion in Indian companies. Indian Missions in the region continue to be in touch with community members and organizations to ensure their wellbeing and welfare. They are also in constant contact with our seafaring community and in rendering all possible support. **** TM (Release ID: 2265044) Visitor Counter : 565 Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Assamese , Bengali , Gujarati , Odia , Tamil , Kannada , Malayalam