Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 3

The Government of India on Friday warned of strict action against black marketing and hoarding of fuel and cooking gas, even as it sought to reassure citizens that supplies remain stable despite mounting geopolitical disruptions linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a series of coordinated measures, multiple ministries, including Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs and Shipping, outlined steps to maintain fuel availability, ensure uninterrupted maritime operations and safeguard Indian nationals in the Gulf region.

Officials emphasised that there was no shortage of petrol, diesel or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), urging the public to avoid panic buying and to rely on official communication amid a surge of misinformation.

“Necessary measures are being undertaken to ensure uninterrupted availability,” the Petroleum Ministry said, adding that refinery output had been increased and inventories were sufficient to meet demand.

Authorities said retail fuel outlets across the country were operating normally, with adequate stocks in place. 

Prices at the pump remain unchanged, even as global crude prices have risen sharply due to tensions in West Asia. 

To cushion consumers, the government has reduced excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per liter and imposed export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to prioritize domestic availability.

At the same time, enforcement has been intensified. 

More than 4000 raids have been conducted nationwide to curb hoarding and black marketing, with over 1300 LPG cylinders seized, officials said. 

Oil marketing companies have issued hundreds of notices to distributors and stepped up surprise inspections.

Under existing laws, including the Essential Commodities Act, state governments have been directed to take the lead in monitoring supplies and cracking down on violations. 

Daily press briefings, control rooms and helplines have also been mandated to counter rumors and reassure the public.

Officials said domestic LPG supply had been given the highest priority, alongside essential services such as hospitals and educational institutions. 

While the broader supply chain has been affected by the global situation, authorities said there had been no “dry-out” at distribution points.

To ease pressure, the government has encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as piped natural gas, electric cooktops and induction systems. 

Booking intervals for LPG cylinders have been extended in some areas, and smaller 5-kg cylinders are being distributed to meet localized needs, including among migrant workers.

Digital booking of LPG has surged, accounting for nearly all transactions, while the use of delivery authentication systems has expanded to curb diversion.

Officials said approximately 5.5 million domestic cylinders were delivered nationwide on Thursday alone.

Oil marketing companies said fuel and LPG supplies across Jammu and Kashmir remain adequate, with sufficient stock at depots and retail outlets.

Himanshu Sharma, the state-level coordinator for the oil industry in J&K, said inventories of petrol and diesel were normal and regularly replenished.

“The consumers are advised to refrain from panic purchasing,” he said, adding that logistics had been streamlined to ensure uninterrupted supply.

LPG stocks at bottling plants were also described as “comfortable,” with deliveries proceeding without disruption.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said port operations across India were functioning normally, with no congestion reported. 

Authorities continue to monitor shipping movements closely in the Persian Gulf, where 18 Indian-flagged vessels with hundreds of Indian crew members remain in operation.

Officials said all Indian seafarers in the region were safe, and a 24-hour control room had been handling thousands of calls and inquiries since its activation. 

More than 1100 seafarers have been repatriated so far.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it was closely tracking developments across West Asia, where airspace restrictions and regional instability have disrupted travel.

Special control rooms and round-the-clock helplines have been set up to assist Indian nationals, including students and workers. Travel has been rerouted through neighboring countries where necessary, with embassies coordinating closely with local authorities.

More than 6,00,000 passengers have returned to India from the region since late February, officials said, while additional flights continue to be arranged despite constraints.

Authorities said facilitating the safe movement of Indian nationals, including those in countries such as Iran, Israel and Iraq, remained a top priority.

Officials also highlighted longer-term efforts to expand natural gas infrastructure, including the accelerated rollout of piped natural gas networks. 

Regulatory changes have been introduced to speed up approvals and expand pipeline connectivity, with tens of thousands of new connections added in recent weeks.

The government said these measures were aimed at strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on LPG over time.

Even as the situation evolves, officials reiterated that supplies of essential fuels remain sufficient and appealed to the public to act responsibly.

“Citizens are advised not to believe rumors,” the government said, “and to rely only on verified information.”