Supply of Crude Oil, LPG and Natural Gas remains stable
INDIA: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Monday assured that the supply of Crude Oil, LPG and Natural Gas in India remains stable amidst the current developing security situation in West Asia. During an Inter-Ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Additional Secretary Praveen Khanuja reported that there are sufficient stocks of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel and LPG distributed across the country.
To uphold energy security and ensure a steady fuel supply, the government has implemented various measures. Notably, domestic refineries and gas processing facilities produced approximately 53 thousand metric tonnes of fuel yesterday, marking a 60% increase compared to pre-crisis levels.
Khanuja emphasised that the country's fuel stocks are comfortable alleviating concerns regarding petroleum product availability.
In a related update, Additional Secretary Aparna Sharma from the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers stated that the fertiliser stock situation is also stable. This year's Kharif season has seen a reassessment of fertiliser needs by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare estimating a requirement of over 380 lakh metric tonnes.
Farmers have already acquired around 86 lakh metric tonnes of fertilisers, which is over 23% of the total need, indicating no significant challenges in fertiliser availability.
Meanwhile Director Opesh Kumar Sharma from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways reported a fire incident involving the vessel MT Merry Vex, which had 24 Indian seafarers aboard. Preliminary reports confirm that all crew members are safe.
The Ministry is coordinating with various departments, including External Affairs, Defence, and the Indian Navy, to secure the well-being of the seafarers. Over 3,500 Indian seafarers have been successfully repatriated by the Directorate General of Shipping to date. Port operations across India continue to function normally with no congestion reported.