New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Government of India issued a detailed update on Saturday, April 4, 2026, outlining the strategic measures taken to maintain energy security, maritime safety, and the welfare of Indian nationals amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the geopolitical volatility, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas confirmed that domestic fuel and gas supplies remain a top priority, with significant progress made in diversifying fuel options and expanding the natural gas network.
Energy Security and Fuel Availability
To mitigate the impact of supply disruptions, the government has intensified the distribution of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders, which are now available at distributorships upon presenting any valid ID, with no address proof required. Yesterday alone, over 71,000 of these cylinders were sold, bringing the total distributed since March 23 to 5.7 lakh. Additionally, more than 3.5 lakh Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections have been gasified since March 2026 to reduce the burden on LPG stocks.
The government is also prioritizing the industrial sector, particularly agriculture. Effective April 6, 2026, gas supply to fertilizer plants will be increased to approximately 90% of their six-month average consumption. To protect consumers from surging global crude prices, the Centre has absorbed a portion of the cost by reducing excise duties on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre, while maintaining unchanged retail prices.
Enforcement and Anti-Hoarding Measures
A massive nationwide crackdown on the black marketing and hoarding of LPG is underway. Yesterday, authorities conducted over 3,700 raids across various States and Union Territories. To date, PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have issued 1,000 show-cause notices and suspended 27 distributorships for irregularities. The government has also increased the use of Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries to 89% to ensure that cylinders reach genuine domestic consumers.
Maritime Safety and Seafarer Welfare
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to monitor the safety of Indian-flagged vessels. Notably, the vessel Green Sanvi, carrying 46,650 MT of LPG cargo and 25 seafarers, successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz yesterday. Currently, 17 Indian-flagged vessels with 460 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region under active monitoring. The Directorate General of Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1,320 Indian seafarers since the crisis began, including 190 in the last 24 hours.
Support for Indian Nationals in West Asia
The Ministry of External Affairs remains in constant contact with the Indian community through 24/7 helplines and dedicated control rooms. Key updates regarding Indian nationals include:
- Repatriation: A group of Indian fishermen stranded in Iran is returning home today via Armenia. Since February 28, approximately 6.75 lakh passengers have traveled from the region back to India.
- Consular Assistance: Missions are facilitating visas and logistical support for those in countries with closed airspaces, such as Kuwait and Bahrain, by rerouting travel through Saudi Arabia.
- Medical Support: Following an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, and the Mission is providing full assistance to the individual still under treatment.
The government continues to advise citizens to rely only on official sources, avoid panic buying, and adopt energy conservation practices during this period of regional instability.
