New Delhi, March 31: In response to escalating tensions in West Asia and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian government has implemented several critical measures to ensure energy supply, maritime operations, and the safety of Indians abroad. Amid these changing circumstances, the deadline for the National PNG Campaign 2.0 has been extended. The government has clarified that it is closely monitoring the situation and that the supply of essential goods remains fully under control.
According to government sources, all oil refineries in the country are operating at high capacity, and there is a sufficient stock of petrol and diesel. LPG production has also been ramped up to meet domestic needs. To provide relief to the public amid rising global crude oil prices, the excise duty on petrol and diesel has been reduced by ₹10 per liter. Additionally, levies have been imposed on diesel (₹21.5 per liter) and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) (₹29.5 per liter) to control exports.
Petrol pumps and fuel outlets across the country are functioning normally. The government has urged citizens to avoid panic buying due to rumors and reassured that there is no fuel shortage anywhere. State governments have been directed to provide accurate information to the public through regular press conferences and to curb misinformation.
On the natural gas front, the government is actively prioritizing domestic PNG and CNG supplies while limiting supply to industrial consumers. D-PNG and CNG transport consumers are receiving 100% supply priority, while grid-connected industrial and commercial consumers are getting 80% of their average consumption.
To expedite the expansion of the city gas network, states have been asked to accelerate the approval process. Recent notifications are also aimed at speeding up the development of pipeline infrastructure.
Regarding LPG, the government stated that there is ample supply for domestic consumers, with over 5 million cylinders being distributed daily. The supply of commercial LPG has been gradually increased to nearly 70% of pre-crisis levels, prioritizing hotels, roadside eateries, industries, and community kitchens.
The Chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) instructed CGD entities via video conference on March 30, 2026, to expedite D-PNG connections. Furthermore, the National PNG Drive 2.0, initially scheduled from January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026, has now been extended to June 30, 2026. During March, over 310,000 connections were gasified, including domestic, commercial, hostel, mess, and canteen connections.
To increase the availability of kerosene, additional allocations have been made, and special arrangements for distribution have been implemented as needed. Additionally, over 3,000 raids have been conducted nationwide to curb hoarding and black marketing, resulting in the seizure of hundreds of cylinders.
The supply for urea plants is now stable at approximately 70-75% of their average consumption over the past six months. To maintain supply and pipeline hydraulics, additional LNG cargoes and regasified LNG (RLNG) are being received. All industrial consumers, including fertilizer plants, have been advised to arrange for their additional requirements as needed.
On the maritime security front, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways reported that the safety of Indian vessels and sailors in the Persian Gulf region is being ensured. Currently, 18 Indian ships with 485 sailors on board are safe, and no unpleasant incidents involving Indian vessels have been reported in the last 24 hours. The control room is active 24/7, having handled thousands of calls and emails.
The government has appealed to the public to disregard rumors, avoid unnecessary fuel purchases, and adopt energy conservation measures. It has also encouraged the use of PNG, electric cooktops, and other alternative fuels.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment