Merchant Vessels Targeted in Persian Gulf: Marine Security Concerns Rise as India Assures Energy and Fertilizer Stock Strength

Merchant Vessels Targeted in Persian Gulf: Marine Security Concerns Rise as India Assures Energy and Fertilizer Stock Strength​

Amid ongoing geopolitical complexities in West Asia, the Indian government released a comprehensive briefing detailing security updates for maritime nationals, fuel availability, and the robust status of domestic agricultural resources. The multi-ministry update affirmed that while challenges persist in the shipping lanes, essential resource supply remains strong and stable across key sectors like energy and agriculture.

Maritime Security Updates and Crew Welfare​

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways expressed deep concern regarding recent security incidents involving merchant vessels in the Persian region. Officials reported on three distinct incidents impacting commercial traffic.

On June 10, a Palau-flagged oil tanker, MT Settebello, was attacked while underway. Twenty-eight seafarers were aboard, including twenty-four Indian nationals. Three Indian crew members tragically lost their lives in the incident. The Ministry offered its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased.

A Guinea Bissau-flagged vessel, MT Jalveer, involved in a security incident near Shinas Port in Oman, had twenty Indian seafarers on board. Fortunately, all crews from this specific vessel were reported safe following coordination with Omani authorities.

Earlier, on June 8, a fire was reported aboard the Palau-flagged vessel MT MARIVEX, near the Omani coast. Twenty-four Indian crew members aboard that ship were successfully rescued by the Omani Air Force.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed it is working closely with concerned authorities regarding all incidents. The Seaman Welfare Fund Society (SWFS) has been directed to provide ₹10 lakh assistance to the families of each deceased crew member from MT Settebello. Furthermore, DG Shipping reports that over 3,537 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far across the Gulf region.

Energy Supply Stability and Fuel Market Measures​

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an extensive update on fuel availability following volatile global crude price increases due to events in West Asia. Officials confirmed that all refineries are operating at high capacity, maintaining sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel for consumers nationwide.

To mitigate the impact of the Middle East crisis on domestic consumers, the Government of India has implemented a protection measure by reducing the excise duty on both petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre. Retail outlets continue to function normally, despite reports of high sales activity in certain areas.

The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme continues to show significant success. Since ESY 2014-15, the programme has resulted in expeditious payments totaling Rs 1.62 lakh crore to farmers and generated foreign exchange savings exceeding Rs 1.91 lakh crore. The exemption on excise duty for ethanol blends up to E30 was extended to avoid double levies.

Natural Gas and LPG Consumption Trends​

The energy landscape is seeing accelerated transitions towards cleaner fuels, supported by dedicated government initiatives. Since March 2026, approximately 9.42 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, with infrastructure created for an additional 3.12 lakh connections, bringing the total to 12.54 lakh connected households. Furthermore, over 9.44 lakh customers have registered for new PNG connections.

LPG supply continues to be prioritized for domestic households, though commercial LPG allocation is managed at 70% of pre-crisis levels. In the last three days, approximately 1.91 lakh five-kilogram FTL cylinders were sold through retail channels. More than 10,000 such cylinders were distributed via designated camps.

To ensure sustained momentum in infrastructure growth, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended until June 30, 2026. The government is actively encouraging state collaboration to speed up PNG migration by urging District Magistrates and urban bodies to assist LPG consumers with conversion where networks are available.

Fertilizer Security and Agricultural Assurance​

The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers confirmed that the overall stock position of fertilizers in India remains comfortable. The Kharif 2026 fertilizer requirement has been set at 383.9 LMT, against which the current stock stands at approximately 195.79 LMT, exceeding usual levels by more than 51%.

Domestic production and imports combined have added roughly 153.79 LMT of fertilizers to availability after the crisis situation began. The Department of Fertilizers has secured over 50 LMT of Urea and P&K fertilizers during this period through coordination with 28 international missions.

A notable trend is observed in the increase in organic manure adoption by farmers. Purchases of organic manure (FOM/LFOM/PROM) rose to 11.38 LMT compared to 3.24 LMT during the corresponding period last year, signaling a positive shift toward sustainable agricultural practices. The Department continues to ensure adequate budget allocation for fertilizer subsidies.