NewsGate Press Network

After three weeks of the Gulf War, resulting in the closure of tanker traffic at the Strait of Hormuz, the government has reported that as of Friday, the 20th of March 2026, no retail outlet of LPG in the country has reported a dry-out situation.

Speaking at the Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia, Sujata Sharma, the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said that “all refineries are operating at the highest capacity with adequate food inventories,” adding that “domestic LPG production has reached almost 40 per cent.”

“There is no dry out on retail outlets and sufficient stock is available”, the media was informed.

Educational institutions and hospitals are being prioritized, receiving around 50% of commercial LPG allocation.

Highlighting recent developments, Sharma added that over 13,700 new PNG connections have been issued in recent days and more than 7,300 consumers have shifted from LPG to PNG, helping reduce pressure on LPG demand.

On supply logistics, Sharma said, “yesterday, we received a request for about 55 lakh refilled bookings. The delivery of LPG cylinders is normal.” For commercial LPG, she stated that “about 18 states and union territories have issued allocation orders,” with “about 11,300 tonnes” supplied in the last week.

The government is also monitoring and tightening the enforcement measures. “In about 32 states and union territories, control rooms have been set up,” and “yesterday, more than 4,500 raids were conducted all over the country.” Specific enforcement actions included “about 1,100 raids” in Uttar Pradesh and multiple operations across states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Punjab, Rajasthan and Delhi.

While briefing reporters the Special Secretary for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, confirmed that maritime operations remain stable. “There have been no reports of maritime incidents in the last 24 hours. All of our 22 ships and 611 vessels are safe. They are in the Persian Gulf region,” an official said.

“DG Shipping is continuously monitoring them,” the official added, noting that helplines handled “more than 250 calls and more than 250 emails” in the last 24 hours.

An update on the port operations was also provided – “There is no congestion in any port… whether it is a major port or other than a major port.”

Measures to ease cargo handling include waivers and expanded storage.

At New Mangalore Port, “the waiver of ground and reefer charges… have been provided for stranded export containers,” along with “an additional covered shed of 3500 square meters” and “an open yard of 76,000 square meters.”

Meanwhile, the government detailed diplomatic outreach led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who “has spoken to five world leaders yesterday,” including leaders of Oman, Malaysia, France, Jordan and Qatar.

The Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Randhir Jaiswal, informed reporters said that during these conversations, the Prime Minister put forth India’s position on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, stressing “the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and the subsequent restoration of peace and stability.

“He also strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and reiterated support for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Jaiswal said.

It was stated that Kuwait airspace remains closed, with Jazeera Airways commencing special flights from Al Qaisumah Airport in Saudi Arabia, including the first flight to Kochi today.

Along with Kuwait, the Bahrain airspace was also closed, with Gulf Air operating special flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to India.

Transit of Indian nationals continues to be facilitated via Saudi Arabia for those in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq.

Indian nationals in Iran continue to be assisted for travel to India via Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Indian nationals in Israel are being facilitated to travel to India via Jordan.

An Indian national tragically lost his life in an attack in Riyadh on 18 March. The Government expresses condolences and the Mission is coordinating with local authorities for early repatriation of mortal remains.

In total, six Indian nationals have lost their lives and one remains missing in recent incidents. Mortal remains of two Indian nationals have already been repatriated to India.