GOVERNMENT REVIEWS FOOD, FUEL AND MARITIME PREPAREDNESS AMID WEST ASIA TENSIONS

New Delhi, Apr 07, 2026 : The Centre on Monday held an inter-ministerial briefing to assess the impact of the evolving situation in West Asia, assuring that food, fuel and maritime operations remain stable while extensive monitoring and preparedness measures are in place.

Officials from key ministries, including Petroleum & Natural Gas, External Affairs, Shipping and Consumer Affairs, highlighted that there is no immediate disruption to essential supplies, with systems functioning normally across sectors.

Food security remains stable:

The government said it is closely monitoring the food security situation, with adequate buffer stocks of rice and wheat available to meet requirements under the Public Distribution System as well as any emergency needs.

Authorities confirmed that prices of essential commodities remain stable, with no signs of unusual volatility or supply stress. The Food Corporation of India is prepared to release additional stocks under the Open Market Sale Scheme to stabilise prices if required.

The government also noted sufficient availability of edible oils, pulses and key horticultural crops such as onion, potato and tomato, supported by steady imports and domestic production.

To strengthen monitoring, the Department of Consumer Affairs has set up a dedicated control room to coordinate with states and track prices, while enforcement actions continue against hoarding and black marketing.

Fuel supply normal, LPG deliveries continue:

On the energy front, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said fuel supply remains stable despite tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Citizens have been advised to avoid panic buying and rely on official information.

Domestic LPG distribution continues uninterrupted, with over 18 crore cylinders delivered since March 1. Online LPG bookings have risen to about 97 per cent, while Delivery Authentication Code (DAC)-based deliveries have increased to around 90 per cent to prevent diversion.

The government has also stepped up awareness efforts for smaller 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders, organising over 550 camps nationwide. A three-member committee of public sector oil companies is coordinating with states to manage commercial LPG distribution.

To ease pressure on LPG demand, citizens have been encouraged to adopt alternative fuels such as PNG, induction and electric cooking.

Shipping operations steady, Indian vessels safe:

Maritime authorities reported that port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is closely monitoring shipping movements and ensuring the safety of Indian seafarers.

In a key development, two Indian-flagged LPG vessels – Green Sanvi and Green Asha – successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the past two days, highlighting the continued movement of critical supplies despite regional tensions.

MoPSW confirmed that all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents reported in the past 24 hours. More than 1,500 seafarers have been repatriated so far, and a 24×7 control room remains operational to assist those in need.

Evacuation efforts and global coordination:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it continues to closely monitor the evolving situation, with the safety of Indian nationals as the top priority.

Indian missions have facilitated the evacuation of over 1,700 nationals from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan, including students and fishermen. Since late February, more than 7.3 lakh passengers have travelled from the region back to India.

Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, with discussions held with counterparts from countries including Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Iran.

Authorities reiterated that control rooms, helplines and coordination mechanisms are fully operational, urging citizens to stay informed through official channels and avoid misinformation.

The government emphasised that while the geopolitical situation remains dynamic, there is no cause for concern regarding essential supplies, and all necessary steps are being taken to ensure stability and continuity across sectors.