Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Mar 14: The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday reaffirmed India’s appeal for restraint and dialogue amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, while assuring that the country has sufficient supplies of crude oil, petrol, diesel and LPG. The government also said steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted maritime operations and bring back Indian seafarers from the affected region.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently advocated de-escalation since the conflict began and emphasised the need to maintain uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies.
He added that India has urged all parties involved in the conflict to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, given the potential global repercussions.
Jaiswal said New Delhi has remained in constant contact with key stakeholders, including members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as governments of Iran, the United States and Israel. These engagements, he noted, have taken place at multiple diplomatic and political levels to highlight India’s concerns, especially regarding energy security.
He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held discussions with several global leaders in recent days, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Indian diplomatic missions have maintained active communication with their counterparts.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said measures are underway to assist Indian seafarers and ensure smooth maritime operations. Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said 30 Indian seafarers were repatriated in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number brought back to 253.
He added that major ports have provided priority berthing to six LPG carriers arriving from different parts of the world. The DG Shipping Communication Centre has also been operating round the clock, handling a large number of queries from seafarers and their families. Over the past 15 days, the centre received more than 2,500 calls and around 5,000 emails, all of which were addressed.
Providing an update on maritime traffic in the Gulf region, Sinha said two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz early on Saturday and are currently en route to India.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also reassured that fuel supplies remain stable. Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said the country’s crude oil reserves are adequate and refineries are operating at full capacity.
She noted that there have been no reports of shortages at petrol pumps and that domestic production is sufficient to meet demand. State governments and district administrations are closely monitoring the situation, with several Chief Ministers reviewing fuel supply arrangements.
Sharma also addressed concerns about LPG availability, saying supplies remain stable despite geopolitical uncertainties. However, she warned consumers against panic bookings.
According to her, daily LPG bookings rose from around 75–76 lakh to nearly 88 lakh, largely due to panic-driven demand. She urged citizens to book cylinders only when necessary and reminded them that booking rules remain unchanged — with a minimum gap of 25 days in urban areas and 45 days in rural regions.
She also encouraged consumers to use digital platforms for LPG bookings rather than visiting distributors.
“There is no need for panic — neither for bookings nor for cylinders. Oil marketing companies are continuing doorstep deliveries as usual,” Sharma said.