War Pressure Peaks: 5.98 Lakh Indians Evacuated, LPG Flow Sustained, Seafarers Still Held in Gulf Waters
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired a second high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg to review India’s preparedness in the context of the ongoing West Asia conflict, with a focus on safeguarding essential supplies, stabilising prices and insulating the economy from prolonged global disruptions.
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| Representational Image: USS Tripoli (LHA 7) sails in the Indian Ocean, March 29; Via: CentCom |
The CCS review comes alongside a detailed inter-ministerial briefing earlier in the day, where multiple departments outlined sector-wise preparedness, indicating that India remains in a “comfortable position” across several critical areas despite global volatility.
Officials said seed availability for the Kharif 2026 season stands at 185.74 lakh quintals against a requirement of 166.46 lakh quintals, reflecting a surplus position, while fertiliser availability is also ahead of typical levels, with 46% of the seasonal requirement already available as opening stock. States have been directed to ensure equitable last-mile delivery and prevent hoarding, diversion or black marketing of fertilisers.
Agriculture officials further stated that there is “no shortage of agriculture inputs and chemicals at any stage,” with agrochemical production significantly exceeding demand and prices of key commodities such as tomato, onion and potato remaining within normal ranges. Continuous monitoring and coordination with states and industry are underway to maintain supply stability, while local monitoring mechanisms have been activated to prevent disruptions at the grassroots level.
On the energy front, the government said all refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while retail prices of petrol and diesel remain unchanged despite global price spikes.
To cushion consumers, excise duties have been reduced by ₹10 per litre, and export levies imposed on diesel and aviation turbine fuel to prioritise domestic availability. Officials acknowledged instances of panic buying but reiterated that “adequate stocks of petrol and diesel are available across all petrol pumps in the country,” urging citizens not to rely on rumours.
Natural gas supply has been prioritised for households and transport, with 100% supply ensured for PNG and CNG segments, while industrial supply continues at around 80% of average consumption.
The government has accelerated expansion of city gas distribution networks, extended the National PNG Drive and introduced policy changes to fast-track pipeline infrastructure, reflecting a long-term shift toward strengthening domestic energy resilience.
LPG supply remains under pressure due to the geopolitical situation, but officials said there has been “no increase in price for Domestic LPG consumers,” with more than 60 lakh cylinders delivered in a single day and over 3.9 lakh small cylinders distributed to migrant workers since March 23.
Commercial LPG supply has been restored to around 70% of pre-crisis levels, with additional allocations prioritised for essential sectors such as food services and industry. Enforcement action has intensified, with more than 2,800 raids conducted and hundreds of cylinders seized to curb hoarding and black marketing.
The aviation sector has also been shielded through calibrated intervention, with the government allowing only a limited 25% increase in aviation turbine fuel prices for domestic carriers despite global surges.
Officials said this step prevents a “potential industry-wide disruption,” noting that fuel accounts for nearly 40% of airline operating costs, while ensuring that domestic airfares remain stable for over 4.5 lakh daily passengers.
Maritime operations remain stable despite heightened risks in the Persian Gulf, with authorities confirming that all Indian seafarers are safe and no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels have been reported recently.
However, 18 Indian-flagged vessels with 485 seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf, with authorities maintaining 24x7 monitoring and coordination to ensure their safety and facilitate repatriation efforts.
On the diplomatic and consular front, the government said it is maintaining “utmost priority” on the safety and welfare of Indian nationals, with missions operating round-the-clock and facilitating evacuations through alternative routes amid airspace closures.
Since February 28, nearly 5.98 lakh passengers have returned to India, including over 1,100 nationals evacuated from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan, while additional flight operations continue from multiple Gulf locations.
The CCS also reviewed broader strategic efforts, including diversification of energy and fertiliser supply chains and international engagement to secure maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
The Prime Minister stressed the need for “timely and smooth flow of authentic information” to counter misinformation and directed enhanced coordination across central and state governments, as India continues to navigate the economic and strategic consequences of a conflict that is increasingly reshaping global energy, trade and security dynamics.
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