Two Indian LPG tankers navigate Hormuz safely, govt ensures continuous supplies

The government has stepped up measures to ensure steady fuel and cooking gas (LPG) supplies after disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz , reassuring citizens that shortages are unlikely and urging them to avoid panic buying.

The Oil Ministry said refineries are operating at full capacity and crude inventories are adequate. Stocks of petrol and diesel remain sufficient nationwide, and retail outlets are functioning normally, despite temporary spikes in demand triggered by rumours.

To boost domestic availability, the government has cut excise duty by Rs 10 per litre on petrol and diesel and imposed export levies on diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) .

In the gas sector, households and transport have been given priority allocation of 100% piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) , while industrial users get 80% of average consumption, and fertiliser plants receive 70–75%. Over 2.9 lakh new PNG connections were added in March, and companies like Indraprastha Gas, Mahanagar Gas, GAIL Gas, and BPCL are offering incentives for PNG adoption.

Adding to supply reassurance, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers , BW TYR and BW ELM , carrying 94,000 tonnes of LPG, have safely crossed the war-hit Strait of Hormuz. BW TYR will reach Mumbai on March 31, while BW ELM is expected in New Mangalore on April 1. Earlier, four other tankers delivered over 92,000 tonnes each, easing the worst LPG shortage in decades .

Currently, 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf. The DG Shipping control room continues round-the-clock operations, having safely repatriated over 942 Indian seafarers. Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported.

"The government reiterates: do not believe rumours. Efforts are underway to ensure continuous availability of petrol, diesel, and LPG. Avoid panic purchases," the ministry emphasized.