LPG Crisis: Major Relief For India Amidst Middle East War As 'Shivalik' And 'Nanda Devi' Cross Strait Of Hormuz

New Delhi: Amidst rumors circulating regarding a gas shortage in the country, the Ministry of Petroleum has delivered a major piece of reassuring news. The government has clarified that there are adequate stocks of petrol, diesel, and cooking gas available in the country, and there is absolutely no need for panic.

Will India's LPG crisis end soon?

Meanwhile, the most significant relief comes from the fact that two Indian vessels, carrying large consignments of LPG, are safely en route to India. The government has issued a special appeal to the public not to be misled by rumors and to refrain from panic-booking gas cylinders in advance.

In light of the prevailing situation in West Asia, several ministries of the Central Government have joined forces to provide substantial relief to the public. Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, clarified that the country's oil refineries are operating at full capacity.

The government has urged people not to fall prey to rumors and to avoid booking gas cylinders in advance out of fear. Amidst this, the most reassuring news is that two Indian ships are safely making their way toward India. The government has once again appealed to the public not to heed any rumors or engage in panic-booking of gas cylinders.

What does official data reveal?

According to official data, a record 8.88 million gas cylinders were booked on a single day—March 13—a figure far exceeding actual requirements. To curb this panic-driven booking, the government has revised the existing regulations. Under the new rules, consumers in urban areas will now be unable to book a second cylinder within 25 days of their previous booking, while those in rural areas will face a waiting period of 45 days. Furthermore, the supply of commercial gas cylinders has also commenced across 29 states.

To prevent hoarding and black-marketing of gas cylinders, surprise raids are being conducted in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Odisha. The government has explicitly stated that people should avoid crowding at distribution agencies and instead opt for online bookings, assuring them that the cylinders will be delivered directly to their doorsteps. Meanwhile, in the Delhi-NCR region, the Pollution Control Board has granted temporary permission—valid for one month—for the use of wood and biomass as fuel.

Rajesh K. Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, confirmed that all Indian seafarers currently in the Persian Gulf region remain safe and secure. Two Indian vessels, named Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are currently en route to India carrying a large consignment of LPG. These ships are expected to reach the ports of Mundra and Kandla by March 16–17. Priority is being accorded to ships delivering gas at the ports, and the government remains in constant contact with nations such as Iran and the United States.

What about repatriation of Indians?

The Ministry of External Affairs has reported that, to date, 172,000 passengers have safely returned to India. Additionally, 253 seafarers have been repatriated from the Gulf nations. Providing an update on the incident in Muscat, officials stated that five Indian nationals have lost their lives there, while one remains missing; search operations for the missing individual are currently underway.

Finally, the Ministry of Information has appealed to the public to refrain from circulating or believing fake news circulating on social media. Citizens are urged to rely solely on information provided on official government websites and to desist from the practice of panic-booking.