No LPG shortage, no shipping disruptions: Inside India’s multi-ministry strategy to counter West Asia crisis

Inter-ministerial briefing on West Asia conflict
Govt details response to West Asia crisis in inter-ministerial briefing (Image via PIB)

Senior officials from multiple ministries on Monday, 13th April, held a detailed inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi to share updates on the government’s response to the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Representatives from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Ministry of External Affairs, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addressed the media, outlining steps being taken to safeguard India’s energy security, protect Indian nationals abroad, and ensure smooth supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions.

The briefing focused on coordinated efforts across sectors, especially as disruptions in the region continue to impact global energy flows and logistics. Officials reassured that the government is closely monitoring the situation and has already activated contingency plans to minimise any impact on India.

Domestic LPG supply stable, no shortages

Speaking at the briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that there is no reason for alarm when it comes to the supply of domestic LPG.

“Our domestic LPG supply is normal. No dry out has been reported at any distributor. Online booking has reached almost 99%,” she said, highlighting that the supply chain for household cooking gas remains stable despite global uncertainties.

She added that an OTP-based delivery system has been introduced to prevent diversion of LPG cylinders. “OTP-based LPG delivery is being done to prevent diversion… the OTP is sent only to the consumer’s registered mobile number. If the consumer does not share this code with anyone else, it remains secure,” she explained.

On the commercial side, Sharma noted that supply restoration is progressing steadily. “Regarding commercial supplies, as you know, 70% has been restored, and measures have been taken to prevent supply chain disruptions, avoid shortages of essential goods and ensure continuity of industrial operation despite the ongoing global crisis,” she said.

She also shared that Oil Marketing Companies have set strict stock thresholds across regions to maintain supply stability. “Till now, approximately one lakh eighty-two thousand nine hundred tonnes of commercial LPG have been sold since 14 March,” she added, underlining the government’s preparedness.

Shipping operations normal, key vessel en route to India

Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, provided updates on maritime operations and the safety of Indian vessels and seafarers in the region.

He confirmed that shipping activity remains largely unaffected. “Operations are normal at all the ports of India, and no report of any kind of congestion has been received,” Mangal said.

Highlighting a key development, he informed that an Indian-flagged LPG carrier has successfully navigated a sensitive route. “Indian flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram crossed the Strait of Hormuz on 11th April, and this vessel has around 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG… it is expected to reach Kandla on 14th April,” he said.

“At present, all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe. No incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours,” he added.

India steps up outreach in the Gulf region

Providing a diplomatic update, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, spoke about India’s ongoing engagement with countries in the Gulf region to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian nationals.

“On the directions of the Prime Minister, we are strengthening our outreach to Gulf countries,” he said, noting that high-level diplomatic visits are part of this effort.

He highlighted the recent visit of the External Affairs Minister to the United Arab Emirates. “The Union Minister called on the President of the UAE and conveyed warm greetings of the Prime Minister and thanked him for ensuring the well-being of our community in the country,” Jaiswal said.

He added that discussions also focused on strengthening bilateral ties. “He also thanked him for his guidance on further strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” he said, indicating that diplomatic coordination remains strong despite the regional crisis.

EV push and policy relaxations amid supply concerns

Dr Hanif Qureshi, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Heavy Industries, outlined steps being taken to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and address supply chain challenges triggered by the crisis.

He said the government is continuing to push for electric vehicle adoption as part of its broader strategy. “The government has been encouraging manufacturing and adoption of Electric Vehicles… this is in view of not only the energy security situation, but a step towards AtmaNirbhar Bharat,” he said.

Qureshi announced an extension of subsidies under the PM e-DRIVE scheme. “The terminal date of the subsidies for three-wheeler rickshaws… has now been extended by two years till March 2028,” he said.

He also noted relief measures for other EV segments. “Electric two wheelers… the terminal date for the subsidies has also been extended by another three months, until 31st July, 2026,” he added.

To tackle supply chain disruptions, the government has eased certain manufacturing norms. “Considering the supply chain issues due to the West Asia crisis, PMP guidelines for trucks and buses have been relaxed by six months now,” Qureshi said.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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