Inter-Ministerial Briefing Details Stability Measures Across Indian Sectors

The Government of India held a media briefing covering updates across various sectors, including aviation, energy supply, maritime operations, and the welfare of Indian nationals in West Asia. Representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs shared operational details, alongside measures implemented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure stability amid ongoing disruptions.

Civil Aviation Sector Updates​

The Ministry of Civil Aviation reported that the Indian aviation sector is navigating a serious operational and financial situation stemming from the conflict in West Asia that began in late February. To ensure passenger safety and industry stability, a multi-layered response has been implemented.

Due to airspace closures or severe restrictions imposed by several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, flights to Europe and North America via Indian carriers are utilizing longer routes, which has increased travel time.

Despite these challenges, the Ministry noted the resilience of Indian carriers. Financial stability has been maintained domestically because of timely intervention by the Government on the pricing of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which accounts for approximately 40% of airlines' operational costs. Operational relaxations have also been extended; the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) temporarily relaxed pilot flight duty time limitations to manage acute crew shortages associated with longer routes.

To support critical logistics, foreign carriers like Emirates, Kuwait Airways, and Jazeera Airways received special dispensation to operate passenger aircraft for all-cargo services, ensuring seamless cargo movement.

Energy Supply and LPG Management​

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided updates on fuel availability, emphasizing measures taken to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum products and LPG amid the developments affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

For LPG supply management, the Government doubled the daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders available for migrant labourers beyond the earlier 20% limit. PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) organized around 1300 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL cylinders over the last four days, and over 1.06 Lakh 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold yesterday. Since 23 March 2026, approximately 7.8 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have been sold. On 06.04.2026, more than 1.06 Lakh 5 Kg FTL Cylinders were sold across the country.

In terms of commercial LPG allocation, the total allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation. Furthermore, about 86,439 MT of commercial LPG, equivalent to over 45.5 lakh 19-kg cylinders, has been sold since 14 March 2026, with 6530 MT sold yesterday.

Natural Gas (PNG) expansion initiatives are also proceeding with progress noted in gasification and new connections. Since March 2026, about 3.76 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, and approximately 4.1 lakh additional customers have registered for new connections.

Maritime Operations and National Welfare​

Port operations across India continue normally with no congestion reported.

Regarding maritime safety, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) reported that it has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1,691 Indian seafarers so far, including 92 in the last 24 hours.

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that, since 28 February, around 7,60,000 passengers have traveled from the region to India. Assistance continues to be provided through Indian Missions, with the Embassy of India in Tehran facilitating the movement of 1,862 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.

For logistical support, alternative transit routes are facilitating movement for Indian nationals, including travel from Israel via Egypt and Jordan, and from Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia.