India’s LPG production has increased by 25 percent following several government measures aimed at boosting domestic supply for household consumers. Addressing an interministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi last evening, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, said that on 8th March 2026, the government issued an order directing refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximise LPG production by diverting streams of propane, butane, propylene and butenes to the LPG pool.
As a result of these measures, domestic LPG production has increased by about a quarter and the entire domestic LPG production is being directed towards household consumers, she added.
On India’s crude oil supply, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said that the country’s supplies remain secure and about 70 percent of crude imports are now coming from outside the Strait of Hormuz. She added that the volume of crude oil secured by government, exceeds what normally would have arrived through Strait of Hormuz. She further said that the country imports crude oil from 40 countries and Oil marketing companies have secured various crude cargos through different sources. The Joint Secretary said that country’s gas companies have procured LNG cargoes from new sources. Two LNG cargoes are on their way to India.
Spokesperson of the External Affairs Ministry Randhir Jaiswal said that the government remains committed to the welfare of Indian nationals who reside in GCC and West Asian countries. He added that all Indian Missions are in regular touch with the community members. Mr Jaiswal also informed that two Indian nationals have died and one person is missing while they were on merchant vessels which came under attack. He added that a few Indians who have suffered injuries in the GCC region are being treated and the consulate is in touch with them.
Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said that presently 28 Indian flag vessels, having 778 Indian seafarers, are operating in the Persian Gulf. He said that the government is actively monitoring all these vessels and crew for their safety and security.
Authorities, Ship Managers and Recruitment Agencies are closely coordinating with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure safety and render medical assistance to them. He added that overall port operations across India remain stable. Mr Sinha said that ports have been directed to extend all necessary assistance to minimise hardships faced by exporters and ensure continuity of exim trade.
