Modi Govt Assures Uninterrupted Fuel Supply Amid Gulf War, Warns Against Black Marketing
New Delhi / National Desk, March 13, 2026 — Amid growing public anxiety over the escalating war in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Modi government has stepped in to reassure the nation about its energy security.
According to a report by Aaj Tak, senior officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting held a joint press conference in New Delhi to address the fuel supply situation, urging citizens to stop panic booking while announcing strict measures against black marketing.
LPG Production Surges, No Shortage for Households
Addressing the media, MoPNG officials emphasized that there is no actual shortage of cooking gas in the country. To counter the disruption of imports—which previously saw 90% of India’s LPG come through the now-closed Strait of Hormuz—the government has directed all domestic refineries to maximize LPG yields.
As a result, domestic LPG production has been ramped up by a massive 28%. Officials confirmed that the distribution network remains robust, with roughly 50 lakh cylinders being delivered to households across India every single day. The Ministry strongly urged citizens to avoid panic booking, which places unnecessary strain on the booking software and delivery logistics.
Crackdown on Hoarding and Black Marketing
To ensure that commercial LPG cylinders are not diverted to the grey market, the Centre has issued strict directives to all State Governments and Union Territories. Following a meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary, state police chiefs (DGPs) have been instructed to take immediate and decisive action against fuel hoarders and black marketers.
Additionally, the government is actively regulating commercial LPG. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), in coordination with state governments, will now allocate 20% of the average monthly commercial LPG requirement to ensure priority sectors, such as hospitals and educational institutions, are not left stranded.
Crude Oil and Natural Gas Reserves Secure
The government also provided a highly optimistic update on overall fuel reserves. Despite the Middle East crisis entering its 13th day, India’s daily consumption of 5.5 million barrels of crude oil is fully secured. Through rapid diversification, over 70% of India’s crude imports are now arriving via alternative routes outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Furthermore, the availability of petrol, diesel, and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) remains fully assured, with 22 domestic refineries operating at or above 100% capacity. For natural gas, domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for homes and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles will continue to receive 100% priority supply with absolutely no cuts.
