Amid rising concerns about possible fuel supply disruptions linked to the escalating West Asia conflict, the central government has formed a high-level three-minister committee to closely monitor petrol, diesel and LPG distribution in the national capital.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the panel, which also includes External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.
The committee was constituted on Thursday (March 12) to ensure real-time coordination between ministries and agencies to maintain uninterrupted fuel supply across Delhi, amid fears triggered by the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States and concerns over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The move comes after Delhi Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma held a review meeting with oil marketing companies, Indraprastha Gas Limited, Delhi Police and food supply department officials. During the meeting, authorities confirmed that adequate stocks of petrol, diesel and LPG are available in the capital despite the geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
However, officials have decided to extend the booking interval for LPG cylinders to 25 days, while prioritising domestic PNG and CNG supply for essential sectors to avoid pressure on the distribution system.
Delhi government officials stressed that there is no actual shortage of petrol, diesel or domestic LPG in the capital and said supplies continue to flow normally. Authorities have also directed police and revenue departments to take strict action against hoarding, fuel theft and black marketing that could create artificial shortages.
The newly formed ministerial panel will conduct daily monitoring of fuel stocks, supply chains and distribution networks to ensure smooth availability across the city. The committee will also oversee equitable allocation of fuel supplies and closely track demand patterns.
Officials said the panel aims to restore around 80 percent of industrial gas supplies while ensuring that households and essential services do not face disruptions.
The government’s move comes amid political criticism from Opposition parties, which have accused authorities of poor planning and warned that fuel price increases could impact farmers, industries and transport operators.
By placing Amit Shah at the helm of the crisis management panel, the government is relying on his experience in handling major coordination efforts during emergencies, including the pandemic-era administrative response in Delhi.
The committee is expected to brief Prime Minister Narendra Modi regularly on the situation as Parliament continues to debate issues related to energy security and global supply disruptions.
Oil marketing companies have assured the government that India currently has strong fuel reserves, with home delivery of LPG cylinders in Delhi continuing within two to three days.
