The Government of India convened a comprehensive Inter-Ministerial Briefing to update stakeholders on developments in West Asia, highlighting the resulting strategic policy pivots aimed at strengthening domestic energy security. Amid global volatility, key ministries detailed accelerated initiatives in electric mobility, clean gas expansion, and strategic resource localization to reduce reliance on imported hydrocarbons.
Accelerating Clean Energy Transition and Manufacturing Push
In light of heightened volatility in global energy markets, the Ministry of Heavy Industries announced aggressive measures to boost self-reliance in critical energy sectors. Officials stressed that geopolitical developments underline the urgent necessity to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.To sustain this momentum, the PM E-DRIVE Scheme was extended, providing policy certainty for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). The e-2W segment now has support through 31 July 2026, while the crucial e-3W segment has been extended for two years up to 31 March 2028.
Furthermore, tackling supply-side constraints, the Union Cabinet approved the Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM) with an outlay of ₹7,280 crore. This program aims to establish 6,000 MTPA integrated REPM capacity, bolstering the supply chain for the EV, defence, and aerospace sectors.
Securing Fuel Supply Against Global Disruptions
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas addressed the fuel supply status, assuring citizens that 100% supply is being maintained for Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG, and CNG (Transport). Despite the pressures from the Strait of Hormuz, the government emphasized rationalization measures, including increasing the booking interval for LPG in urban areas from 21 to 25 days.While retail prices of petrol and diesel remained unchanged, the government introduced measures to stabilize the domestic market. Excise duty was reduced by ₹10 per litre, and export levies on diesel and ATF were increased to ensure product availability domestically.
On the gas front, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026. The Ministry encouraged the rapid expansion of PNG connections, offering States additional commercial LPG allocation linked to long-term transitions away from traditional LPG sources.
Fortifying Maritime Operations and Citizen Welfare
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed that maritime operations continue normally, with no congestion reported across major ports. Crucially, the India-flagged LPG vessel Jag Vikram safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and is expected to arrive at Kandla port on 14 April 2026.On the human safety front, the DG Shipping Control Room reported the safe repatriation of over 2,177 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region. Indian Missions remain highly vigilant, extending all assistance to crew members on vessels in the region, coordinating with local authorities, and facilitating requests for return to India.
Intensified Enforcement Against Resource Hoarding
Across the country, robust enforcement actions are underway to prevent hoarding and black marketing of petroleum products. Till yesterday, enforcement authorities reported conducting over 1.28 lakh raids, resulting in the seizure of more than 59,000 LPG cylinders.Concurrently, efforts to promote cleaner energy saw online LPG bookings increase to about 99% across the industry, with the use of Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries reaching around 92% to prevent diversion.
Strategic Focus on State Coordination
The briefing underscored the critical role of state governance in maintaining stability. State Governments are empowered to monitor supply and take action against black marketing. To counter misinformation, authorities were urged to issue daily press briefings and actively monitor social media, reinforcing the message of continued energy security and alternative fuel usage.This coordinated multi-ministry effort—spanning policy reform, logistical support, and heightened surveillance—solidifies India's commitment to leveraging regional disruptions into domestic structural growth, particularly in clean mobility and energy self-sufficiency.
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