New Delhi, 23 April (H.S.): Crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) imports passing through the Strait of Hormuz have been affected due to the conflict in West Asia, but the central government has said it is taking steps to minimise inconvenience for the general public. Ministries dealing with energy, ports, shipping and external affairs are coordinating closely to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies and the safety of Indian citizens abroad.

Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas told the daily press briefing at the National Media Centre on Thursday that oil and LPG imports via the Strait of Hormuz are under pressure, yet the government is striving to keep disruption to a minimum. She said that more than 52 lakh households received LPG supply on Wednesday and daily cylinder bookings are currently running at about 44–45 lakh. Around 94 per cent of cylinders are being delivered with Duplicate Acknowledgement Code (DAC), which is helping curb diversion. Commercial LPG sales have stood at about 1.40 lakh tonnes from the beginning of April till date.

External Affairs Ministry’s steps

Additional Secretary (Gulf) Asim A. Mahajan of the Ministry of External Affairs stated that the situation in the Gulf and West Asia is being closely monitored, with the safety and welfare of the Indian community being given the highest priority. A dedicated control room is in place and the ministry’s 24×7 Mission helpline is active. More than 12 lakh passengers have returned to India since 28 February through evacuation and regular flights.

Additional flights are being operated from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Bahrain, and alternate routes via Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan have been arranged even where certain air corridors have been closed.

Joint Secretary Mukesh Mangal of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said all Indian seafarers in the region are safe. Through the Directorate General of Shipping, the government has so far facilitated the safe return of 2,680 Indian seafarers, including 65 in the last 24 hours. All Indian ports are operating normally, with no congestion or overcrowding reported at any terminal. The ministry added that port operations, including cargo handling and vessel movement, continue without any major disruption despite the regional tensions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar