India Maintains Stable Fuel Supply as Middle East Tensions Persist
The Indian government has affirmed that the nation's fuel supply situation remains robust and stable, with sufficient crude oil availability and refineries operating at their maximum capacity. This assurance comes even as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt regional energy flows and shipping routes.
Government Officials Provide Reassurance on Petroleum Supply Chain
Addressing concerns over potential shortages, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery) in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that the domestic petroleum supply chain is functioning smoothly without any disruptions at retail fuel outlets. "Crude is available in sufficient quantity. All refineries are operating at the highest capacity. Our petrol pumps are operating normally. No dry out has been reported anywhere," Sharma said, as quoted by ANI.
Officials have emphasized that oil marketing companies are actively monitoring stock levels and logistics to ensure the uninterrupted distribution of petrol and diesel across the country. This proactive approach aims to mitigate any impact from external factors affecting global energy markets.
Safe Transit of Indian Vessels Through Conflict Zones
Shipping Ministry Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha provided updates on Indian-flagged vessels navigating the conflict-affected Strait of Hormuz. He confirmed that an LPG carrier, the Shivalik, which sailed from the Persian Gulf, is scheduled to dock at Mundra port shortly. Priority arrangements have been made to facilitate swift unloading. "Shivalik LPG carrier, which sailed from the Persian Gulf, crossed the Strait of Hormuz and headed towards India, will be reaching today around 5 pm, maybe after an hour or so. And before its arrival, documentation, priority berthing, and everything have been arranged at the port so that there is no delay in the discharge of cargo by this vessel," Sinha explained.
He added that all Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf area are safe, with no incidents reported in the last 24 hours. Continuous monitoring is in place, with authorities in touch with each vessel and its crew. Currently, 22 Indian flag vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the west of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.
In another development, Sinha noted that the Indian-flag vessel 'Jag Laadki', carrying about 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil from the UAE, is safely en route to India and expected to arrive at Mundra Port tomorrow. The vessel and all Indian seafarers on board are reported safe.
Diplomatic Efforts to Secure Maritime Routes
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar indicated that India is engaging in diplomatic coordination with Iran to facilitate the reopening of key maritime routes. In an interview with the Financial Times, he highlighted that these efforts are beginning to yield results. "Certainly, from India's perspective, it is better that we reason and we coordinate and we get a solution than we don't. While this is a welcome development, there is continuing conversation because there is continued work on that," Jaishankar said.
He acknowledged that while recent vessel movements demonstrate progress, passage for Indian ships is currently being managed on a "case-by-case basis", underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region. This diplomatic engagement aims to ensure long-term stability and safety for India's energy imports amidst global uncertainties.
