New Delhi, Mar 14 India on Saturday reiterated its call for de-escalation in the ongoing regional conflict while assuring that the country has adequate supplies of crude oil, petrol, diesel and LPG to meet domestic demand.
Addressing a briefing, Randhir Jaiswal said Ministry of External Affairs has consistently urged restraint and dialogue since the conflict began, while prioritising the uninterrupted transit of goods and energy.
He said India has also urged all sides to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, particularly energy facilities, given the potential global repercussions. New Delhi has remained in close contact with key stakeholders including the Gulf Cooperation Council members, Iran, the United States and Israel to safeguard its energy and economic interests.
According to the government, diplomatic engagement has been ongoing at multiple levels, with Narendra Modi holding discussions with several world leaders, while S. Jaishankar and Indian missions in the region continue to coordinate closely with their counterparts.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said efforts are underway to assist Indian seafarers and ensure smooth maritime operations in the region.
Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha said 30 Indian seafarers were repatriated in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of evacuated personnel to 253.
He added that major ports have prioritised berthing for six LPG carriers arriving from various global locations to ensure timely energy supplies.
Providing an update on maritime movement, Sinha said two Indian-flagged LPG carriers — Shivalik and Nanda Devi — safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are currently en route to India.
Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas also reassured that fuel availability remains stable.
Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma said India’s crude oil supply remains adequate and refineries are operating at full capacity. She added that there have been no reports of fuel dry-outs at retail outlets and petrol and diesel supplies remain sufficient.
On LPG, Sharma noted a sharp rise in bookings due to panic demand, with daily bookings increasing from around 75–76 lakh to nearly 88 lakh. She urged consumers to avoid panic booking and assured that oil marketing companies continue to deliver cylinders to households.
Booking restrictions remain in place, requiring a minimum gap of 25 days between LPG bookings in urban areas and 45 days in rural areas, she added.
