WEST ASIA CRISIS: GOVERNMENT TAKES COORDINATED MEASURES
New Delhi, Mar 13, 2026 : The Centre on Thursday said it is taking coordinated steps across multiple ministries to ensure energy security, maritime safety and the welfare of Indian nationals abroad amid the ongoing crisis in West Asia.
Senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting briefed the media in New Delhi on measures being taken to maintain fuel supplies, ensure maritime safety and assist Indian citizens in the region.
Fuel supply stable, refineries running at high capacity:
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said India’s fuel supply remains stable despite disruptions caused by the conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.
India currently sources crude oil from more than 40 countries, with about 70 per cent of crude imports now coming through routes other than the Strait of Hormuz. The country’s refineries are operating at high capacity, in some cases exceeding 100 per cent utilisation, helping ensure adequate availability of petroleum products.
India consumes around 5.5 million barrels of crude oil per day and operates 22 refineries, making it the world’s fourth-largest refining hub.
The Ministry said the country’s extensive network of about one lakh fuel retail outlets remains fully functional with adequate stocks.
LPG production increased to manage supply:
The government also announced measures to manage the supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas amid global disruptions.
India imports about 60 per cent of its LPG requirements, with nearly 90 per cent normally transported through the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the situation, the government issued an LPG Control Order on March 9 directing refineries to maximise production.
As a result, domestic LPG production has increased by 28 per cent in the past five days, officials said.
More than 50 lakh LPG cylinders are being delivered daily across the country through a network of over 25,000 distributors. Authorities said no shortage has been reported so far, but bookings have surged due to panic among consumers.
The government urged citizens not to panic-book LPG cylinders and to cooperate with authorities during the current global uncertainty.
To prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution, a committee of executive directors from Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has been formed to review allocations for commercial users such as restaurants and hotels.
The government has also allowed the temporary use of alternative fuels such as kerosene, biomass and RDF pellets for commercial establishments to reduce pressure on LPG supplies.
Ports functioning normally:
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said port operations across India remain stable despite the tensions in the Persian Gulf region.
Currently, 28 Indian-flagged vessels are operating in the region, carrying 778 Indian seafarers. Of these, 24 vessels are west of the Strait of Hormuz and four are east of it.
The Ministry said all vessels and crew members are being closely monitored and advisories issued earlier by the Directorate General of Shipping remain in force.
Major ports have also been instructed to provide priority berthing for LPG vessels and facilitate shipping lines and exporters through enhanced coordination with agencies such as customs and trade authorities.
A 24-hour control room has been set up to monitor developments and assist ship owners, operators and seafarers’ families.
Indian nationals affected in conflict:
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Indian missions in the region are in constant contact with the Indian community and are assisting those who wish to return home.
Embassies are providing information on commercial flight options and, in some cases, facilitating visas and transit routes through countries such as Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The MEA confirmed that three Indian nationals have died and one is missing in maritime incidents linked to the conflict. All were crew members on merchant vessels operating in the region.
In the latest incident, one Indian crew member died aboard the vessel Safesea Vishnu near Basra in Iraq. Fifteen other Indian crew members were rescued and are currently safe.
The Ministry said over two dozen Indians have also been injured in the conflict so far, though many have already returned home after receiving treatment.
Government warns against misinformation:
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting urged citizens not to spread rumours or misinformation on social media and asked television channels to clearly mention date and time stamps when broadcasting conflict-related visuals.
States and Union Territories have also been advised to take strict action against hoarding of essential commodities and ensure the smooth distribution of supplies.
The Ministry said the government will continue to closely monitor the situation and take necessary steps to safeguard energy supplies, maritime operations and the welfare of Indian nationals.