New Delhi, 20 March (H.S.): The Central Government on Friday stressed that domestic LPG production remains stable and adequate, even as West Asia tensions continue to pose challenges to global energy supplies. Speaking at the National Media Centre’s daily press briefing, Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said all Indian refineries are operating at full capacity with sufficient crude stocks and that domestic LPG output is steady with ample reserves on hand.

Sujata Sharma noted that LPG distribution remains robust, with about 7,500 consumers having switched from LPG to piped natural gas (PNG) connections, easing the demand load. Market‑level data indicate that roughly 93 percent of household bookings are now online and deliveries have been duly completed.

The ministry has also allocated commercial LPG supplies to 18 states and Union Territories, and last week delivered 11,300 tonnes of LPG to priority sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions. To curb hoarding, petroleum marketing companies, along with district control rooms, have ramped up inspections and surveillance across the LPG supply chain.

The government has urged households not to panic‑book cylinders, to rely only on official information, and to wait for doorstep delivery.

The Centre has concurrently invoked emergency powers requiring refiners and petrochemical complexes to maximise LPG output, ensuring that the entire domestic LPG stream is earmarked for consumers.On the pricing front, Sujata Sharma clarified that there has been no increase in the price of standard or regular petrol, only a marginal hike for premium‑grade petrol, which makes up barely 2–4 percent of daily petrol sales nationwide.

In a separate briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held calls with the leaders of Oman, Malaysia, France, Jordan and Qatar to explain India’s stance on the West Asia conflict and to emphasise the need for dialogue, de‑escalation and peace.

The Prime Minister strongly condemned attacks on energy infrastructure and received assurances from all leaders on the importance of secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz and on continued coordination to safeguard energy trade and people.

Foreign‑ministry sources added that India has successfully evacuated 913 citizens, including 284 pilgrims, via the Armenia–Azerbaijan route. The Ministry’s 24×7 control room has handled numerous calls and emails, underscoring the government’s focus on monitoring the safety and well‑being of Indians abroad.

Shipping and ports officials also reported that 22 Indian‑flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf in the last 24 hours are safe, with no incident recorded. All 611 Indian seafarers on board these ships are accounted for, and the Directorate General of Shipping continues to monitor the situation round‑the‑clock.

The ministry’s 24×7 control room has already addressed about 125 calls and over 200 emails, and 25 Indian crew members have been successfully repatriated after completing their duty shifts.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar