New Delhi, March 14 (NationPress) The Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized India's urgent appeal for de-escalation amid the ongoing regional turmoil, while confirming that the country has sufficient supplies of crude oil, petrol, diesel, and LPG. The government is actively working to ensure safe maritime operations and the repatriation of Indian seafarers from the conflict-ridden area.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that since the inception of this conflict, India has consistently advocated for dialogue and restraint, highlighting the critical need for the uninterrupted movement of goods and energy.

“Since the emergence of this conflict, India has consistently urged for de-escalation and for all matters to be resolved through dialogue. Concurrently, a priority for us is ensuring the unimpeded transit of goods and energy,” Jaiswal conveyed.

He further emphasized India's call for all parties to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructures, including energy facilities, due to the broader implications of the conflict on a global scale.

Jaiswal noted that India has maintained ongoing communication with key regional stakeholders. “We have been in close contact with significant interlocutors such as the Gulf Cooperation Council members, Iran, the U.S., and Israel at various political and diplomatic levels to emphasize our priorities, particularly concerning energy security,” he explained.

He also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held discussions with several world leaders recently, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Indian embassies have been actively coordinating with their counterparts.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported ongoing efforts to assist Indian seafarers and ensure seamless maritime operations.

Special Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha mentioned that in the last 24 hours, 30 Indian seafarers have been successfully repatriated, increasing the total number of repatriated seafarers to 253.

He indicated that major ports have prioritized berthing for six LPG carriers arriving from various locations worldwide.

Sinha also highlighted that the DG Shipping Communication Centre has been operating continuously, addressing a significant volume of inquiries. “In the last 15 days, the center has managed over 2,500 phone calls and approximately 5,000 emails, all of which have received replies,” he stated.

Providing a maritime update from the Gulf region, Sinha confirmed that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers—Shivalik and Nanda Devi—safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz early Saturday and are now en route to India.

Officials from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas reassured the public that fuel supplies in the country are ample.

Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery) Sujata Sharma affirmed that India's crude oil supply is adequate and refineries are functioning at optimal capacity.

“Our crude supply is abundant, and our refineries are operating at full capacity. There are no reports of depletion at retail locations, and sufficient petrol and diesel are accessible,” she noted, adding that India is capable of meeting its petrol and diesel requirements through domestic production.

She mentioned that state governments and district administrations are closely monitoring the fuel supply situation. Several Chief Ministers, including those from Haryana and Goa, have already conducted review meetings with officials.

On the topic of LPG supply, Sharma assured that the situation remains stable despite geopolitical challenges, but cautioned against panic buying by consumers.

“Yesterday, we reported approximately 75–76 lakh LPG bookings. That figure has now surged to nearly 88 lakh, clearly indicating panic booking,” she stated, urging citizens to book cylinders only when necessary.

She clarified that booking restrictions are in effect, with a minimum gap of 25 days between bookings in urban areas and 45 days in rural locations.

Sharma also encouraged consumers to utilize digital platforms for LPG bookings and to avoid visiting distributors or waiting in queues.

“There is no cause for panic—neither for booking nor for cylinders. Oil marketing companies are delivering cylinders directly to homes and will continue to do so,” she added.