India Implements Comprehensive Inter-Ministerial Strategy to Ensure Food and Energy Stability Amid West Asia Crisis
NEW DELHI | APRIL 6, 2026 :-The Government of India has launched a multi-pronged inter-ministerial action plan to safeguard national interests and ensure the welfare of its citizens following recent developments in West Asia. During a high-level briefing at the National Media Centre, officials from the Ministries of External Affairs, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and Consumer Affairs detailed the strategic steps taken to maintain domestic stability. Central to this effort is a robust food security framework where the Department of Consumer Affairs has established a 24/7 Control Room to monitor the supply and pricing of 40 essential commodities across 578 centers nationwide. The government confirmed that adequate buffer stocks of rice and wheat are currently available to sustain the Public Distribution System (PDS) and meet any emergency requirements. Market stability is being further bolstered through the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic), while the procurement of wheat for the 2026–27 season has officially commenced to replenish national reserves. Supplies of edible oils, sugar, pulses, and horticultural crops like onions and potatoes remain stable, supported by improved domestic production and steady imports from partner nations.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has initiated comprehensive measures to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Domestic LPG deliveries have remained resilient, with over 18 crore cylinders distributed since March 1, 2026, and digital bookings rising to 97% to prevent supply diversions. To protect consumers from global crude price spikes, the government has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre and imposed export levies on diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to prioritize domestic needs. Furthermore, the government is accelerating the transition to Piped Natural Gas (PNG), offering incentives for new connections and notifying the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, to streamline pipeline infrastructure expansion. Energy conservation is being promoted alongside the distribution of 5 kg Free Trade LPG (FTL) cylinders through over 550 awareness camps, while industrial sectors are being supported through the diversion of critical petrochemical molecules to maintain manufacturing continuity.
On the maritime and diplomatic front, the safety of Indian nationals and the continuity of trade remain the highest priorities. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported that Indian-flagged vessels, including the LPG tankers Green Sanvi and Green Asha, have safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz under close monitoring by the Directorate General of Shipping. A dedicated 24/7 control room has already handled over 15,000 inquiries and facilitated the repatriation of 1,599 seafarers. Diplomatically, the Ministry of External Affairs has successfully facilitated the movement of 1,777 Indian nationals from Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan, including students and fishermen. With nearly 7,30,000 passengers having traveled from the region to India since February, the government continues to coordinate non-scheduled flights and alternative transit routes through neighboring countries like Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to ensure the safe return of its citizens while maintaining constant contact with local authorities to protect the academic and professional interests of the Indian diaspora.