Sharma stated that home delivery of LPG cylinders is being actively facilitated and urged consumers to rely on online booking systems instead of crowding distributor showrooms. She highlighted that commercial LPG supply has already been restored to 70 percent capacity. In April alone, over 1.47 lakh LPG cylinders have been sold, including more than 81,000 5 kg cylinders in a single day, while over 1.33 lakh 5 kg cylinders have been distributed through awareness campaigns so far.
Providing an update on natural gas expansion, Sharma noted that approximately 5.27 lakh PNG connections have been successfully gasified. Infrastructure has also been developed to support an additional 2.6 lakh connections, alongside nearly 5.97 lakh new consumer registrations.
Reassuring the public on fuel availability, Sharma emphasized that petrol and diesel supplies remain adequate nationwide, with no shortages reported at any fuel station. She cautioned that panic buying driven by misinformation has been observed in certain areas, stressing that there has been no increase in diesel prices. She further confirmed that crude oil inventories are sufficient and refineries are operating at optimal capacity.
On maritime operations, Mandeep Singh Randhawa, Director in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, stated that the government is maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted shipping activities. He confirmed that Indian seafarers in the Gulf region remain safe and that no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported in the past 24 hours.
Randhawa added that the DigiShipping control room has handled more than 7,500 calls and over 16,000 emails since its activation. The ministry has also facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,700 Indian seafarers, including 49 in the last 24 hours.
Addressing the welfare of Indian nationals abroad, Assem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, stated that the government’s focus remains firmly on ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of the Indian community in the region. He confirmed ongoing coordination with state governments and Union Territories for efficient information sharing. Mahajan also noted that approximately 12.38 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India since February 28.
Meanwhile, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said that the government is closely monitoring all developments related to the West Asia crisis.
The coordinated response across ministries underscores the government’s emphasis on maintaining supply stability, safeguarding citizens, and countering misinformation during a period of heightened global uncertainty.
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