The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that the government is making every effort to ensure the availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG across the country. It has advised citizens to avoid panic buying of petrol and diesel and unnecessary booking of LPG.
The Ministry has taken proactive steps to ensure the uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG. Five-kilogram cylinders are available at nearby LPG distribution centers and can be purchased by showing any valid ID proof. The Ministry has also stated that no address proof is required to purchase five-kilogram cylinders. It has also stated that approximately 570,000 cylinders weighing five kilograms have been sold since the 23rd of last month. It has also said that online LPG cylinder bookings have increased to 95%, and around 51 lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered yesterday. The Ministry has also encouraged citizens to use alternative fuels such as PNG, induction cooktops, and electric cooktops. More than 3.5 lakh PNG connections have been established since last month, and more than 3.8 lakh customers have been registered for new connections. It has also stated that all refineries are operating at high capacity, with adequate crude oil inventories in place.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways is continuously monitoring shipping movements, port operations, and the safety of Indian seafarers, while ensuring the continuity of maritime trade. The Ministry has informed that the LPG vessel Green Sanvi safely transited the Strait of Hormuz yesterday, carrying 46,650 metric tonnes of LPG cargo with 25 seafarers on board. A total of 17 Indian-flagged vessels, with 460 Indian seafarers, remain in the western Persian Gulf region.
The Ministry has stated that flight operations are improving, and around 6.75 lakh passengers have traveled from the region to India since February 28th. It has also stated that in an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, and one remains under treatment. The mission is providing full assistance and coordinating with local authorities.