The Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, convened to evaluate India’s readiness in response to the recent West Asia situation. The meeting took place on April 8, 2025, at Kartavya Bhawan-2 in New Delhi. The government issued a statement detailing the discussions and decisions made during this critical session.

In attendance were several key ministers, including Nirmala Sitharaman, the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs; S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs; and Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Other attendees included ministers from various sectors, ensuring a comprehensive approach to national readiness.

During the meeting, Rajnath Singh emphasised the need for ongoing preparedness and inter-departmental coordination to manage potential challenges effectively. He reassured the public that the government is actively working to ensure the steady availability of essential fuels and commodities.

Government Actions to Maintain Energy Security

According to the IGoM, India has conducted the highest number of vessel evacuations from the Strait of Hormuz in the last 40 days, surpassing other nations. A total of eight LPG vessels, carrying approximately 340 metric tonnes, equivalent to around eleven days’ worth of imports, successfully traversed the strait. This achievement significantly bolstered India’s energy security and ensured supply stability during a volatile period.

There have been no reported shortages at LPG distribution centres, and the delivery of domestic LPG cylinders has continued unfalteringly throughout the country. To assist vulnerable communities, especially migrant workers, the government has doubled the distribution of 5-kilogram Free Trade LPG cylinders beyond the previously set twenty per cent allocation for priority segments.

To accommodate public transportation needs, Oil Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) retail outlets remain operational, dispensing auto LPG. However, some private operators are encountering procurement challenges, leading to increased customer traffic at PSU outlets. This situation highlights the need for collaboration among various supply chain participants.

Strategic Decisions for Industrial Support and Supply Chain Stability

A significant decision was made during the meeting to enhance LPG supply to industrial users by allocating seventy per cent of fuel demand to non-domestic bulk consumers. This allocation prioritises critical sectors, including pharmaceuticals, food production, agriculture, and defence materials. The measure aims to avert supply-chain disruptions and ensure the steady availability of essential goods amidst the ongoing global crisis.

The promotion of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) is also underway, with the government actively encouraging its adoption. A recent campaign aimed at reducing dependence on LPG has resulted in the introduction of 316,000 new PNG connections, indicating an increase of three times from levels recorded in March 2025. Additionally, more than 16,700 LPG connections have been surrendered by citizens, reflecting a notable shift towards PNG.

The IGoM received updates on the easing of energy prices in the wake of a ceasefire in the region. Ministers were also briefed on measures taken by the Department of Food and Public Distribution to maintain sufficient food supplies and resources during these challenging times. Continuous monitoring of key sectoral parameters will be a priority, with relevant steps being implemented when necessary.

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