Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions squeezing global oil supplies, the government said it is ensuring uninterrupted availability of fuel across the country and closely monitoring maritime safety in the Middle East.The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reassured citizens that there will be no interruption in domestic liquefied petroleum gas supplies. “Domestic LPG cylinder shipments remain normal against bookings, as more than 53.5 thousand domestic LPG cylinders were delivered yesterday,” she said.
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No fuel shortage: Govt assures 100% domestic gas supply as LPG demand in India drops 13% in March
The ministry also urged people not to rush to gas stations or stock up on supplies. “We advise citizens to avoid buying petrol, diesel and LPG out of panic, as the government is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG,” she said.She also stressed that essential services remain fully supported, saying: “100% supply is provided for domestic LPG, domestic PNG and CNG (transportation),” while supply management measures are being taken as needed.At the same time, the government noted changes in consumer behavior in the energy sector. “More than 39,000 consumers in Papua New Guinea have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in,” it said, indicating a gradual shift towards pipelined natural gas.
She also noted the high demand for automotive fuel, adding that “the average automotive LPG sales by PSU OMCs in the month of April 26 (until April 17, 2016) is about 305 metric tons per day compared to an average of 177 metric tons per day during February 26.”
“On the maritime level, the authorities confirmed that Indian shipping continues to move safely through the region despite the risks. “The Indian-flagged crude oil tanker Desh Garima safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on April 18, 2026,” the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said, adding that the ship carrying 31 Indian sailors “is expected to arrive in Mumbai on April 22, 2026.”However, it also acknowledged recent security incidents, noting that “two Indian ships… reported a shooting incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” although “no injuries to any crew member were reported.”The Ministry of Shipping said the situation was being closely monitored, adding, “All Indian sailors are safe. The situation continues to be closely monitored.”Regarding fuel availability, the Petroleum Ministry said that refineries are operating at strong capacity and “adequate stocks of gasoline and diesel are being maintained,” with retail fuel stations operating normally across the country.To protect consumers from global price shocks, the government highlighted recent fiscal steps, saying: “The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude oil prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced customs duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre.”It also intensified its action against malpractices in the supply chain, noting that “more than 2,400 raids were conducted across the country” on April 18 to check the storage and black marketing of LPG.Coordinated efforts with countries, industry stakeholders and agencies are continuing to ensure uninterrupted energy security and supply despite global uncertainty, officials said.