Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

• Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability of petrol, diesel and LPG.
• Beware of rumours and rely on official sources for correct information.
• LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.
• Citizens are encouraged to use alternate fuels such as PNG and electric or induction cooktops.
• All citizens are requested to make necessary efforts to conserve energy in their daily use during the current situation.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

• Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has ensured that 100% supply is being made to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport).
• For commercial LPG, priority has been given to hospitals, educational institutions. Besides this, priority has also been given to pharma, steel, automobile, seed, agriculture, etc. In addition to this, supply of 5 Kg FTL to migrant labour is also doubled based on avg. daily supply on 2nd and 3rd March 2026.
• The Government has already implemented several rationalisation measures on both the supply and demand side, including enhancing refinery production, increasing the booking interval from 21 to 25 days in urban areas and up to 45 days in rural areas and prioritising sectors for supply.
• Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand.
• The Ministry of Coal has directed Coal India and Singareni Collieries to supply additional coal to States for distribution to small and medium consumers.
• States have been advised to facilitate new PNG connections for domestic and commercial consumers.

Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms

• State Governments are empowered under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and LPG Control Order, 2000 to monitor supply and act against hoarding and black marketing.
• Govt. of States/UTs have to play a primary role in monitoring and regulating supply situation of essential commodities including Petrol, Diesel and LPG. Govt. of India has reiterated the same via multiple letters and VCs to all States/UTs.
• The Government of India vide letters dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have stressed the need for proactive public communication to reassure citizens regarding adequate fuel availability. Regular review meetings are being held with States/UTs. In this context, meetings were convened on 02.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG) and on 06.04.2026 (Chaired by Secretary, MoPNG along with Secretaries of I&B and Consumer Affairs), wherein the following was emphasized:
  • To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.
  • To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.
  • To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs
  • To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs
  • To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.
  • To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.
  • To prioritize LPG supply, especially for domestic needs, and adopt targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL cylinders to ensure supply stability.
• All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.
• Many states/UTs are issuing/carrying out press briefs.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

• Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG. Yesterday, more than 2200 raids were conducted across the country.
• PSU OMCs have strengthened and continued surprise inspections and imposed penalties on 325 LPG distributorships, and 72 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday.
• Yesterday, show cause notices were issued to 54 LPG distributors, and penalties were imposed on 9 distributorships.

LPG Supply

Domestic LPG Supply Status:

• LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.
• Supply of LPG to domestic households has been prioritized.
• No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.
• Online LPG cylinder bookings increased to 98% on industry basis yesterday.
• Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to more than 94% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.

• On 28.04.2026, more than 50.8 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:

• Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.
• The Government of India vide letter dated 06.04.2026 has conveyed that daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers is being doubled based on the average daily supply (Number of cylinders) to migrant labourers during 2nd-3rd March 2026 beyond the limit of 20% mentioned in letter dated 21.03.2026. These 5 Kg FTL cylinders are at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
• The total number of 5 Kg FTL cylinders sold during the month of Feb-26 were 21.7 Lakh. However, since 1^st April 2026, about 21.05 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
• Yesterday, more than 73,000 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were delivered.
• Since 3^rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 9550 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,59,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold.
• Yesterday, 2759 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through about 175 camps.
• A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution in the States/UTs.
• During the month of April-26 (till 28.04.26), a total of 1,84,043 MT (Equivalent to more than 96.86 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold.

• On 28.04.2026, 8838 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 4.65 Lakh – 19 Kg cylinders) was sold.

• During the month of April-26 (till 28.04.2026), sale of Auto LPG has been more than 9880 MT as compared to the sale of around 5000 MT during Feb-26.

• Avg. Auto LPG sale by PSU OMCs in the month of April-26 (till 28.04.26) is around 353 MT/day against the avg. of around 177 MT/day during Jan-26 and Feb-26.  This reflects an increase of around 100% in Auto LPG sales by PSU OMCs.

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

• Consumers have been prioritised with 100% supplies to D-PNG and CNG-Transport.
• The overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants has been enhanced to approximately 95% of their six-month average consumption.

• Additionally, gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including supplies through CGD networks, is enhanced up to 80%.
• CGD entities have been advised to prioritize PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens across all their GAs, to address concerns regarding the availability of commercial LPG.
• CGD companies including IGL, MGL, GAIL Gas and BPCL are offering incentives for domestic and commercial PNG connections.
• States/UTs and Central Ministries have been requested to expedite approvals required for expansion of CGD networks.
• The Government of India vide letter dated 18.03.2026 has offered all States/UTs additional 10% allocation of commercial LPG to States provided they can help in long term transition from LPG to PNG.
• 22 States/UTs are receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways vide letter dated 24.03.26 has adopted an ‘Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure with reduced timelines’ as a special for 3 months to process applications pertaining to CGD infrastructure on priority.
• The Government of India vide Gazette dated 24.03.2026 has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026 under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Order provides a streamlined and time-bound framework for laying and expanding pipelines across the country, addressing delays in approvals and access to land, and enabling faster development of natural gas infrastructure, including in residential areas. It is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India’s gas-based economy.
• PNGRB has directed CGD entities to expedite D-PNG connections. Also, the National PNG Drive 2.0 has been extended till 30.06.2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.
• To encourage a cleaner, more secure and self-reliant energy future, the Government of India has developed a model draft State CBG Policy. The model policy is intended to serve as a comprehensive flexible guiding framework to enable States to create their own investor-friendly and implementation-oriented ecosystem for CBG development. Those States which opt for this, will be prioritized for the next tranche of additional allocation of commercial LPG.
• MoEFCC vide order dated 07.04.2026 has directed CPCB to issue necessary directions to SPCB/PCCs for granting consent to establish or consent to operate within 15 days for CGD network/infrastructure.
• Since March 2026, about 5.69 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified and infrastructure has been created for additional 2.65 Lakh connections, taking the total to 8.34 lakh connections. Further, about 6.37 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.
• Till 28.04.2026, more than 42,950 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website.

Crude Position and Refinery Operations

• All refineries are operating at high capacity with adequate crude inventories, while sufficient stocks of petrol and diesel are being maintained.
• Domestic LPG production from refineries has been increased to support domestic consumption.
• An inter-ministerial Joint Working Group (JWG) has been set up to ensure availability of petrochemical feedstock supply for the domestic market. Subsequently, Govt. of India vide order dated 01.04.2026 has permitted Oil Refinery companies including Petrochemical Complexes to make certain minimum quantities of C3 & C4 streams available for critical sectors as determined by Centre for High Technology (CHT).
• Based on the requests received from the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Department of Chemicals & Petro Chemicals (DCPC), Dept. for Promotion of Industry and internal trade (DPIIT), the provision for 1000 MT/day, from LPG pool, has been made for Pharma and Chemical sector companies.

• Since 9^th April 2026, more than 8900 MT of propylene and more than 950 MT of Butyl Acrylate has been sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai and Mathura refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industries.

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

• All Retail outlets are operating normally across the country.
• The Middle East crisis has led to an abnormal increase in crude prices; however, to protect consumers, the Government of India has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre.
• Govt. of India vide Gazette notification dated 11.04.2026 has increased the export levy on diesel to Rs. 55.50 per litre and on ATF to Rs. 42 per litre, to ensure availability of these products in the domestic market.

• Panic buying is observed at certain Retail Outlets due to rumours.  It is informed that there are adequate stocks of petrol and diesel available at all Petrol Pumps in the country. Regular Retail Prices for Petrol and Diesel are unchanged and there is no price increase at PSU OMCs Retail Outlets.

Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures

• An additional allocation of 48,000 KL of kerosene has been provided to States/UTs over and above regular allocation.
• 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, detailing the measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that:

• Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reviewed the steps taken by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and Department of Fertilisers (DoF), to ensure smooth maritime operations and facilitate export-import through shipping.
• All Indian seafarers in the region are safe, and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.
• DG Shipping Control Room Update: The Control Room has handled 8,034 calls and more than 17,114 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 114 calls and 276 emails have been received.
• The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,829 Indian seafarers so far, including 29 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.
• Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:

• The Dedicated special control room in the Ministry is operational to respond to queries from Indian nationals and their families.
• The Ministry of External Affairs is in regular contact with State Governments and Union Territories for sharing of information and better alignment of efforts.
• Indian embassies and consulates continue to operate round-the-clock helplines to provide timely assistance and are proactively assisting our citizens. They are also in close contact with the local Governments.
• Updated advisories are being issued including information related to local government guidelines, flight and travel situations, consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken for the community.
• Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. They are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, and Indian companies to address their concerns.
• Government is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region. Indian Missions are extending all assistance to them including coordination with the local authorities and agencies, extending consular assistance, and assisting for requests to return to India.
• The overall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India.
• In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited commercial flights between the UAE and India based on operational and safety considerations, with around 110 flights expected today between UAE and India.
• Flights continue to operate from various airports in Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.
• With Qatar airspace partially open, Qatar Airways is operating flights to various destinations in India. Air India and Indigo are also planning to resume flight operations from Qatar to India soon.
• Kuwait airspace is open. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways have resumed limited flight operations from Kuwait to India.
• Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air is operating flights from Bahrain to various destinations in India. Air India Express and Indigo are also planning to resume flight operations from Bahrain to India soon.
• Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
• Iran airspace is partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to Iran and those already there are urged to leave via land border routes, with Indian Embassy’s support. So far, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated movement of 2,464 Indian nationals out of Iran through land border routes.
• Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.

Vinod Bhat

Ayodhya: A new Amrit Bharat Express train connecting Ayodhya and Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) was flagged off as part of Indian Railways’ effort to improve long-distance connectivity between northern and western India.

The train, launched as part of a broader set of new services, aims to provide an affordable and direct travel option between Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai in Maharashtra, linking key pilgrimage and economic centres across multiple states.

According to officials, the Ayodhya–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express will pass through important stations in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra, including Sultanpur, Prayagraj, Jabalpur, Itarsi, Bhusawal, Nashik Road, Kalyan, and Thane before reaching Mumbai’s LTT terminal.

The service is designed to benefit pilgrims travelling to Ayodhya, migrant workers, and regular passengers by reducing travel time and improving accessibility between major urban centres.

Railways officials said the train will operate with a mix of sleeper and general coaches and is aimed at offering “safe, comfortable, and affordable” long-distance travel for passengers who rely on non-AC services.

The inaugural run was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of a broader initiative to expand the Amrit Bharat Express network across India. Officials said the introduction of this route will significantly strengthen cultural, economic, and social linkages between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The launch is part of the government’s ongoing push to enhance railway infrastructure and improve connectivity along key national corridors.

Vinod Bhat

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), April 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused opposition parties of blocking women’s political representation, alleging that “family-run” parties fear losing control if grassroots women leaders rise to positions of power.

Addressing a gathering at a Mahila Samelan in Varanasi, Modi said such parties do not want women to enter legislative assemblies and Parliament. “They know that if daughters working on the ground reach the top, their control will weaken and their power will be questioned. That is why these parties have opposed it in Parliament,” he said, adding that women across the country have recognised their “intentions.”

The Prime Minister reiterated that women’s political participation was a key consideration behind the construction of the new Parliament building and highlighted the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act in 2023 as an effort to address a decades-long gap in representation. He said the government had proposed a constitutional amendment to expedite the implementation of women’s reservation but alleged that parties such as the Congress, Samajwadi Party, TMC and DMK did not support it.

“This amendment would have enabled more women to enter assemblies and Parliament. But these parties have once again failed the women of the country,” he said, asserting that opposition groups are “afraid of women’s power.”

Referring to recent parliamentary proceedings, Modi said efforts to advance the proposal had not succeeded but vowed to continue pushing for its implementation. “I will leave no stone unturned to ensure that women get their rightful reservation,” he said.

On governance and safety, Modi contrasted the current BJP government in Uttar Pradesh with the previous Samajwadi Party regime, claiming that law and order has improved significantly. He said legal reforms, including provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, have strengthened the sense of security among women by enabling faster action in serious crimes.
The Prime Minister also pointed to welfare initiatives aimed at women, including the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, under which thousands of accounts have been opened for girls in Varanasi. He added that housing schemes have increasingly registered property in women’s names, contributing to their financial empowerment.

Citing voter participation, Modi said women had turned out in large numbers in recent assembly elections in states such as Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, suggesting this reflected their response to parties opposing reservation.

He also announced the expansion of women-focused infrastructure, including police stations and counselling centres, stating that work had begun on a new facility in Varanasi.

Reiterating the government’s “Nagrik Devo Bhava” approach, Modi said citizen welfare—covering education, income, healthcare and irrigation—remains a priority.

During the visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹6,350 crore in Varanasi.

Vinod Bhat

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), April 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth around ₹6,350 crore during a Mahila Sammelan in Varanasi, underscoring the government’s focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and women’s participation in governance.

➡️#वाराणसी में प्रधानमंत्री नरेंद्र मोदी ने 6,330 करोड़ रुपये हजारों करोड़ रुपये की 163 परियोजनाओं का लोकार्पण एवं शिलान्यास किया।
➡️“सशक्त नारी, समृद्ध काशी” थीम पर आयोजित इस भव्य कार्यक्रम में विकास और महिला सशक्तिकरण का अनूठा संगम नजर आया। pic.twitter.com/gcIE14VOZu

— AIR News Lucknow (@airnews_lucknow) April 28, 2026

Addressing the gathering, Modi said the projects span multiple sectors and are aimed at accelerating development in the region. “Projects worth thousands of crores have been inaugurated and launched here, covering every aspect of development. At the same time, efforts are being made to strengthen connectivity between Kashi and Ayodhya,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BJP leader Nitin Nabin were present at the event.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates and lays the foundation stone of various development projects worth around Rs 6,350 crore in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/8u5ClLMOiG

— IANS (@ians_india) April 28, 2026

Speaking on the occasion, Adityanath said the Prime Minister’s leadership has helped shape a “new India” driven by rapid development. He reiterated Modi’s emphasis on four key social groups—women, the poor, youth, and farmers—as central to national progress.

Nabin said the government’s initiatives have transformed the role of women in society, enabling them to take on leadership positions. He added that the Prime Minister’s commitment to enhancing women’s participation would continue to guide future policies.

Highlighting Varanasi’s cultural significance, Modi described Kashi as “a living embodiment of India’s timeless civilisation” and paid tribute to its heritage.

According to official details, the Prime Minister dedicated more than 48 completed projects worth over ₹1,050 crore to the nation. These include key infrastructure works such as the widening of the Varanasi-Azamgarh road, construction of rail overbridges at Kazzakpura and Kadipur, and a 55 MLD sewage treatment plant at Bhagwanpur.

He also inaugurated several community-focused initiatives, including 30 rural drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission, redevelopment of Chandrawati Ghat, tourism projects near Sarnath, and renovation works at Sant Ravidas Park in Nagwa. Other projects include a synthetic hockey turf at UP College, a 100-bed old age home in Ramnagar, and a 1 MW solar power plant at the Bhelupur water treatment facility. The Sowa Rigpa Bhawan and Hospital at the Central University of Tibetan Studies was also inaugurated.

In addition, Modi laid the foundation stone for over 112 projects worth around ₹5,300 crore. These include sewerage and water supply schemes under AMRUT 2.0, a 500-bed multi-specialty hospital, new market complexes, pond rejuvenation works, a critical care block, and tourism infrastructure at major ghats such as Assi, Dashashwamedh, and Namo Ghat.

During the event, the Prime Minister also flagged off two Amrit Bharat Express trains—Banaras to Pune (Hadapsar) and Ayodhya to Mumbai (Lokmanya Tilak Terminus)—aimed at improving connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, including access to major religious destinations such as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

New Delhi: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that in line with Modi Government’s policy of Zero tolerance against Narco syndicate, the NCB today made a major breakthrough in securing the return of notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye.

In a post on X platform, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said that “Zero tolerance against Narco syndicate. The NCB today made a major breakthrough in securing the return of notorious drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola from Turkiye. Under Modi govt’s mission to ruthlessly smash drug cartels, our anti-narcotics agencies have extended their claws across borders through a robust network of global agencies. Now no matter where they hide, no place is safe for drug kingpins.”

The successful return of Salim Dola, under the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, reflects the firm resolve of Government to bring all narcotics fugitives and members of organised crime syndicates to justice, by pursuing them relentlessly across the globe.

Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in close coordination with international and Indian intelligence agencies, has secured the return of wanted drug trafficker Mohammed Salim Dola from Türkiye, under ‘Operation Global-Hunt’. He was taken into custody on his arrival at IGI Airport, New Delhi, early this morning by NCB.

Salim Dola (59 yrs from Mumbai) a subject of INTERPOL Red Notice issued at India’s request in March, 2024 was wanted for prosecution in multiple narcotics trafficking cases in India and had been absconding from Indian law enforcement agencies. Over the years Dola had established a major transnational drug trafficking syndicate spanning a number of countries in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. His two-decade long criminal antecedents include direct involvement in cases involving multiple high-value seizures of Heroin, Charas, Mephedrone, Mandrax and Methamphetamine in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Dola’s role consistently emerged as that of a bulk supplier to downstream distribution networks in India. Besides, he is also wanted by ATS Gujarat and the Mumbai Police. Earlier, his son Tahil Salim Dola and other associates were arrested by Mumbai police after deportation/extradition from the UAE in 2025. This effort exemplifies close cooperation and coordinated action between the authorities in Türkiye, INTERPOL and Indian agencies.