The central government on Tuesday said there is currently no proposal to increase retail prices of petrol and diesel, seeking to reassure citizens amid concerns over global energy market volatility triggered by geopolitical tensions in West Asia. At an inter-ministerial briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, stated that fuel prices remain stable and that there is no immediate cause for alarm. She emphasized that petrol, diesel and LPG are available in sufficient quantities and urged the public not to panic over potential shortages or price hikes.

Sharma acknowledged that the ongoing crisis in West Asia has affected imports of crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG). However, she said the government has taken proactive steps to minimize disruptions and ensure continuity in supply. According to her, domestic consumers of LPG and PNG, as well as compressed natural gas (CNG) users in the transport sector, are currently receiving full supply.

While commercial LPG supplies have faced partial disruptions, availability has been restored to approximately 70 per cent. The government is prioritizing distribution to critical sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions to avoid disruptions in essential services. Key industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, steel and seed production, are also being given priority to prevent supply chain bottlenecks.

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In an effort to support vulnerable populations, Sharma noted that the supply of 5-kg free trade LPG cylinders—commonly used by migrant workers—has nearly doubled. This measure is aimed at ensuring access to essential fuel for low-income groups during the ongoing uncertainty.

The government’s assurance comes against the backdrop of fluctuating global oil prices, driven by instability in West Asia, a region central to global energy production. Officials said the situation is being closely monitored, with contingency measures in place to maintain supply stability and shield domestic consumers from immediate price impacts.

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