New Delhi, April 12 (ANI): Amid rising crude prices due to the ongoing West Asia crisis, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on Sunday said fuel supplies across India remain stable, with refineries operating at high capacity and retail prices of petrol and diesel unchanged.
“All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained,” the ministry said in an official release.
The government acknowledged pressure from global markets, noting that the Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices, but said measures have been taken to shield consumers.
“To protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre,” the statement said.
To ensure domestic availability, the government has tightened export controls. It recently increased the export levy on diesel to Rs 55.50 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 per litre, according to a gazette notification issued on April 11.
Despite global volatility, retail outlets across the country are functioning normally, and there has been no increase in petrol and diesel prices at the pump, the ministry added.
The government has also ramped up domestic production of cooking fuel. “Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption,” the statement said.
Refining companies have been directed to support key sectors, with a provision of 800 metric tonnes per day of C3 and C4 streams for critical industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and public distribution, and petrochemicals.
On kerosene distribution, the ministry said an additional allocation of 48,000 kiloliters has been provided to states and Union territories over and above regular supplies, with most regions already issuing allocation orders.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said all Indian seafarers in the region are safe, with no incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels reported in the past 24 hours.
The Shipping Control Room is operating round the clock and has handled 6,053 calls and more than 12,787 emails since activation, including 80 calls and 112 emails in the past 24 hours.
The ministry also highlighted ongoing evacuation efforts, stating that more than 2,084 Indian seafarers have been safely repatriated so far, including 75 in the past 24 hours.
Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported, and authorities continue to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs and other stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted maritime activity. (ANI)
About The Author
