March 18, New Delhi – The Indian government provided updates on the ongoing situation in West Asia on Wednesday, assuring citizens that energy supplies remain stable and that measures are in place to assist Indian nationals abroad.
Speaking about efforts to support Indian citizens in Iran, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), stated, "The Indian Embassy in Tehran is assisting Indian nationals there, especially students.
Many Indian citizens wish to cross the border and travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan. In this context, the embassy has issued an advisory.
It is in the best interest and convenience of all concerned that they follow this advisory, so that their transit through the land borders between Iran and Armenia, and between Iran and Azerbaijan, can take place smoothly and in an orderly manner."
Addressing fuel security, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, said, "The availability of crude oil is normal.
Refineries are operating at their highest capacity. Domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production has increased by forty percent.
No shortages have been reported at retail outlets, and adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available at fuel stations.
Regarding natural gas, as you know, Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport are being supplied to consumers at one hundred percent without any cuts."
Officials urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic, emphasizing that all essential services, including energy and travel support, are functioning normally.
Byte 1: Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
Byte 2: Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas