The government has assured that there is a sufficient stock of petrol and diesel in the country, domestic production of LPG has been stepped up, and all refineries are operating at the highest capacity. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia held in New Delhi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma urged citizens to stop believing in rumours and avoid panic buying. She said the government has directed city gas distribution companies to connect residential schools and colleges and community and Anganwadi kitchens through piped natural gas within 5 days wherever pipeline infrastructure is available in the near vicinity. Talking about PNG Expansion, she said that on Monday, around 7,500 domestic and commercial connections have been provided. Joint Secretary said that the supply of LPG is affected due to the prevailing geopolitical situation, but a lot of cargo has been lined up. She added that no dry-out has been reported at LPG distributorships.
Special Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha reiterated that no ports are facing congestion and the government is ensuring that maritime trade continues without disruption. He informed that 2 Indian-flagged LPG carriers – Pine Gas, which is carrying 45 thousand MT LPG and Jag Vasant, which is carrying around 47 thousand 600 MT LPG, have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are heading towards the country.
The External Affairs Ministry’s Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan said that the government continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and the West Asia region. He said that ensuring the safety, security and well-being of the large Indian community in the region is our utmost priority. He informed that since February 28, around 4 lakh 2 thousand passengers have returned from the Gulf region to India. He said that today, around 85 flights are expected to operate from airports in the UAE to India.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that EAM Dr S Jaishankar held discussions with the US Secretary of State on the situation in West Asia and its global economic implications, particularly energy security. He also spoke with Sri Lanka’s Counterpart, where both sides reviewed the repercussions of the ongoing conflict. The Spokesperson said that the Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to Neighbourhood First and Mission SAGAR. He said that the minister also met GCC ambassadors in New Delhi to exchange views on the crisis, while thanking them for their continued support to the large Indian community in the region.
