NEW DELHI, April 8: The Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, on Wednesday reviewed India’s preparedness in view of the evolving situation in West Asia. The high-level meeting, held at Kartavya Bhawan-2, was attended by key union Ministers overseeing finance, external affairs, agriculture, commerce, energy, consumer affairs, aviation, and other critical sectors.
In his remarks at the meeting, the defence minister directed all departments to sustain high levels of readiness. “Focus must remain on preparedness, coordination, and resilience building,” he stressed.
In a post on X, Singh further stated that the “Government is ensuring continued availability of LPG, petrol, diesel and fertilisers and facilitating supply of essential commodities.” He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government has been doing “exceptional work in safeguarding the citizens from the impact of the conflict.”
The IGoM was informed that over the past 40 days, India has facilitated the evacuation of the highest number of vessels by any country through the Strait of Hormuz. Eight LPG vessels carrying approximately 340 TM, equivalent to 11 days of India’s LPG import requirement, successfully transited the region, ensuring energy security and stabilising domestic supply chains.
Officials reported no incidents of dry-out at LPG distributorships nationwide, and delivery of domestic cylinders continues uninterrupted.
To support vulnerable communities such as migrant labourers, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has doubled the supply of 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders beyond the 20 percent allocation for priority segments from April 7.
PSU petrol pumps continue to dispense Auto LPG to meet public transport needs. However, private operators are reportedly facing procurement challenges, pushing more consumers toward PSU outlets.
A major policy decision was announced on April 8 to allocate 70 percent of LPG demand to non-domestic bulk consumers, prioritising key sectors including pharma, food, polymers, agriculture, packaging, paints, steel, and defence manufacturing. The move aims to avert supply-chain disruptions and ensure uninterrupted industrial operations.
The IGoM noted a significant rise in Piped Natural Gas (PNG) adoption. A nationwide awareness campaign helped add 3.16 lakh new PNG connections, a threefold jump from March 2025. Additionally, over 16,700 LPG connections were voluntarily surrendered, reflecting a constructive transition to cleaner PNG networks.
Ministers were briefed on the easing of global energy prices following the ceasefire in West Asia. Sectoral indicators will continue to be monitored, and corrective policy responses will be taken when required.
The Department of Food and Public Distribution presented an extensive roadmap that ensures stability in foodgrain supply and market operations.
Ample stocks of rice and wheat are available to meet Public Distribution System (PDS) requirements as well as any emergency needs under the National Food Security Act.
The government remains prepared to use the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) to release wheat and rice in the market to stabilise prices. Surplus stocks with the FCI provide sufficient room for interventions. States may also procure rice at subsidised rates for additional needs.
Procurement for the Rabi Marketing Season 2026-27 has begun through state agencies. Adequate packaging material is being ensured to support procurement operations.
To prevent packaging shortages, the Department is diversifying supply sources in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
Despite global uncertainties, edible oil availability remains steady with continuous imports from Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina, and Brazil. Improved mustard production is expected to enhance domestic supply by about five per cent.
The sugar sector also remains robust, with adequate buffer stocks and stable production. Of the 15.80 LMT export quota for FY 2025-26, 3.73 LMT has already been shipped, primarily to Sri Lanka, West Asia, and East Africa.
The Department of Consumer Affairs is monitoring prices of 40 commodities across 578 centres. No unusual volatility has been observed so far, barring a moderate rise in edible oil prices. Onion procurement under the price stabilisation buffer will begin shortly, with NAFED and NCCF already preparing.
(UNI)
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