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Inter-Ministerial Briefing on Recent Developments in West Asia; Update on Domestic LPG Supply, Fuel, Exports

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  • Milk procurement, processing, and supply across the country have remained uninterrupted amid the ongoing West Asia crisis
  • Dedicated portal with all State Federations and Milk Unions was launched to enable daily monitoring of dairy supply chains and availability of milk, fuel and packaging material.
  • Supply of LPG to domestic households prioritized; No reports of dry outs at LPG distributorships.
  • More than 5.01 Lakh PNG connections gasified with over 5.68 Lakh customers registered for new connections since March 2026.
  • PSU OMCs continues surprise inspections; 274 LPG distributorships, and 67 LPG distributorships suspended till yesterday.
  • 9 LPG vessels and 1 crude oil vessel safely transited the Strait of Hormuz Since 28 February 2026.
  • 12 Indian seafarers stuck in Iraq arrived in Mumbai yesterday,  with the assistance of  Indian Mission in Baghdad

As part of its ongoing outreach to keep the media informed on the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India convened a briefing at the National Media Centre today. Officials 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. The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying also shared updates during the briefing.

Updates On Animal Husbandry & Dairying

The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD) has been closely monitoring the situation and has taken a series of proactive measures in coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoPNG) and other concerned ministries to ensure smooth operations of Dairy value chain.

Milk procurement, processing, and supply across the country have remained uninterrupted amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Price of milk and milk products are stable, no supply disruption has occurred in the market, and payments to dairy farmers have continued throughout the crisis period.

The measures taken by the Department are as under:

  • Regular meetings are being convened under the chairmanship of the Secretary (AHD) with stakeholders to assess the evolving situation.

Fuel Availability

  •  As regards fuel (gas) supplies, MoPNG order dated 8.4.2026 ensured critical industries, including dairy processing plants, will receive 70% of their pre-March 2026 bulk non-domestic LPG supply, averting any disruption to dairy operations.   Subsequently, all dairy plants are advised to transition from LPG to Piped Natural Gas (PNG) wherever operationally feasible to reduce dependence on LPG.

Packaging Material

  • As a member of Joint Working Group on Petrochemicals convened by MoPNG, concerns related to packaging material requirements of Dairy sector has been resolved by the JWG.  MoPNG has allocated 0.23 TMT of LDPE, a key input for plastic packaging used by the dairy industry and has assured continued supplies of polypropylene and polystyrene, which are essential for plastic cups used in dairy packaging.
  • Department is closely coordinating with the suppliers of plastic packing material for smooth supply of packaging material across the country.
  • A meeting held on 20.4.2026 with State Milk Federations/ Milk Unions across India to review the milk situation and monitor the impact of West Asia crisis on Dairy Sector.  There are no issues related to supply of fuel(gas) and plastic packaging material to Dairy Sector.
  • A dedicated portal was launched on 30.3.2026 with all State Federations and Milk Unions as members to enable daily monitoring of dairy supply chains and availability of milk, fuel and packaging material.

Exports

  • A simplified animal quarantine clearance procedure was notified w.e.f. 25.03.2026 to facilitate easy return of exported cargo to Indian ports.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas is taking  steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG across the country, in the context of the ongoing situation involving the Strait of Hormuz. As per Ministry:

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 bySecretary, 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 274 LPG distributorships, and 67 LPG distributorships have been suspended till yesterday.

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 have increased to 98% on industry basis yesterday.
  • Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 92% to prevent diversion. DAC is received on the registered mobile number of the consumer.

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).
  • Since 3rd April 2026, PSU OMCs have organised more than 7400 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, wherein more than 1,07,000 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold. Yesterday, 5891 – 5 Kg FTLs were sold through more than 410 camps.
  • Recently, at one of the 5 kg FTL awareness camps organised by IOCL at Tarapur (Maharashtra) on 20th April 2026, a good response was observed and about 550 – 5 Kg FTL cylinders were sold during the day.
  • Since 23rd March 2026, more than 19.28 Lakh – 5 Kg FTL cylinders have been sold.
  • 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 20.04.26), a total of 1,23,680 MT (Equivalent to more than 65 Lakh of 19 Kg LPG Cylinders) of Commercial LPG has been sold.
  • On 20.04.2026, 8822 MT of Commercial LPG (Equivalent to more than 4.64 Lakh – 19 Kg cylinders) was sold.

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, more than 5.01 Lakh PNG connections have been gasified. Further, more than 5.68 Lakh customers have been registered for new connections.
  • Till 19.04.2026, about 39,400 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 9th April 2026, more than 4400 MT of propylene has been sold.

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

  • Retail outlets across the country are operating normally.
  • 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.
  • 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 current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, along with measures being undertaken to safeguard Indian vessels and crew, was also briefed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. It was stated that:

  • Port operations across India remain normal, with no congestion reported. In this context, cargo movement has improved significantly, and as informed earlier, nearly 97% of back-to-town containers have been cleared from key western ports.
  • Average yard occupancy has moderated to around 60%, down from nearly 80% during the peak of the conflict, indicating easing pressure on port infrastructure.
  • Since 28 February 2026, a total of 9 LPG vessels and 1 crude oil vessel have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting the gradual stabilization of maritime movement in the region.
  • The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in West Asia in coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions, and maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and the continuity of maritime operations.
  • 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 7,086 calls and more than 14,975 emails since activation. In the past 24 hours, 168 calls and 370 emails have been received.
  • Repatriation Update: The Ministry, through the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,590 Indian seafarers so far, including 27 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf region.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

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

  • On the directions of the Prime Minister, a focused outreach to countries in the Gulf is being made.
  • National Security Advisor visited Saudi Arabia on 19th April 2026.
  • Earlier External Affairs Minister visited UAE  and Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas visited Qatar.
  • The Minister for Commerce and Industry also had interactions with several of his counterparts in the Gulf region.
  • Dedicated special control rooms in the Ministry of External Affairs are operational and are working in coordination with Indian missions.
  • 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 Missions and Posts continue to operate round-the-clock helplines and are proactively assisting Indian nationals. They remain in close contact with the local Governments.
  • Updated advisories are being issued regularly, including information on local government guidelines, flight and travel situations and consular services and various welfare measures being undertaken to support our community.
  • Indian Missions are actively engaged with the resident Indian community. Ambassadors are regularly interacting with the Indian community associations, organizations, professional groups, an 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.
  • Flights continue to operate from the region to India from countries where airspace is open. Since 28 February, around 11,61,000 passengers have travelled from the region to 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.
  • Kuwait airspace remains closed. Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways are operating non-scheduled commercial flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.
  • Bahrain airspace is open. Gulf Air of Bahrain has announced that beginning from today, they are starting flights from Bahrain International airport to various destinations in India.
  • Iraq airspace is open with limited flight operations to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India.
  • Iranian airspace remains partially open for cargo and chartered flights. Indian embassy in Tehran continues to facilitate movement of Indian nationals through Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India.
  • Israel: Israel airspace is open and limited flight operations have resumed to destinations in the region, which can be used for onward travel to India. We also continue to facilitate travel of Indian nationals from Israel, through Jordan and Egypt to India.

Update on return of Indian Seafarers from Iraq

  • 12 Indian seafarers who were stuck in Iraq arrived in Mumbai yesterday, following opening of Iraq airspace. Indian Mission in Baghdad rendered all assistance to them and facilitated their return to India.

 

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Government Holds Inter-Ministerial Briefing On West Asia Developments

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As part of its ongoing efforts to keep the media apprised of developments in West Asia, the Government of India convened a briefing at the National Media Centre today. Representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs, shared updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, and assistance to Indian nationals in the region, along with measures to ensure stability across sectors. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution also provided updates on food security preparedness and prices of essential commodities.

Food security and prices update

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution shared an update on the availability of essential food items and the prevailing price situation. It also highlighted measures being taken to ensure adequate supply and maintain market stability. The Ministry said:

Food Security Preparedness

· The Government is closely monitoring the food security situation in view of the ongoing developments in West Asia.

· Adequate buffer stocks of rice and wheat are available to ensure sufficient supplies for the Public Distribution System (PDS) as well as to meet any emergency requirements.

· The National Food Security Act continues to ensure access to foodgrains for vulnerable populations.

Market Intervention – Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic)

· The Government continues to monitor foodgrain prices and undertakes market interventions through the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic) (OMSS – D) whenever required.

· Under OMSS (D), FCI releases surplus wheat and rice in the open market to augment supply, stabilise prices and contain inflation.

· Adequate stocks are available with FCI to undertake such interventions if required.

· The scheme also enables sale of rice to State Governments at subsidised fixed prices to meet additional requirements.

Procurement – RMS 2026–27

· Procurement of wheat under MSP operations for Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2026–27 has commenced, primarily through State Government agencies.

· The Department is regularly reviewing preparedness in coordination with States.

· Adequate packaging materials are being ensured for procurement operations.

Foodgrain Packaging

· Proactive steps have been taken to ensure availability of packaging materials during RMS 2026–27.

· In coordination with the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, the Department is diversifying packaging sources and maintaining contingency measures to address any potential shortfall.

Edible Oil Scenario

· Domestic availability of edible oils remains comfortable despite global uncertainties.

· Imports from key partner countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Argentina and Brazil continue steadily.

· Improved mustard production has strengthened domestic supply.

· Overall edible oil supply remains stable and the Government continues close monitoring with readiness to intervene if required.

Sugar Sector

· Adequate sugar buffer stocks are available and sugar production in 2025–26 is expected to remain sufficient.

· About 15.80 LMT of sugar has been permitted for export, of which 3.73 LMT has already been exported.

· Major export destinations include Sri Lanka, West Asia and East Africa.

· Retail sugar prices remain stable with inflation remaining around 3% over the past three years.

Prices of Essential Commodities

· The Department of Consumer Affairs monitors daily prices of 40 food commodities reported from 578 centres across the country.

· Price trends are being closely monitored in view of the ongoing developments in the Middle East.

· So far, no unusual volatility has been observed and prices remain stable for most commodities, indicating adequate availability.

· There is no evidence of generalized supply stress or inflationary transmission in essential food commodities.

Availability of Pulses

· Pulses production is estimated to be higher than the previous year at about 266 LMT compared to 257 LMT last year.

· Government stocks of pulses are around 28 LMT, while procurement of Tur and Rabi pulses under the Price Support Scheme is ongoing.

· So far, about 3.21 LMT of Tur and 5.71 LMT of Chana have been procured.

· The import policy for pulses in 2026–27 continues the existing framework of 2025-26 to ensure supply flexibility and stable availability.

· Import of Tur and Urad is allowed under the ‘Free’ category till 31 March 2027, while imports of Chana and Masoor attract 10% duty and Yellow Peas 30% duty.

Availability of Horticultural Crops (TOP)

· Production of major horticultural crops such as potato, tomato and onion are sufficient to meet domestic demand.

· Potato production is estimated at about 584 LMT (against 586 LMT last year), tomato at about 227 LMT, and onion at about 273 LMT.

· The Government of India has set a price stabilisation buffer target of 2 LMT for onion in 2026–27, with National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) and National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India Limited (NCCF) initiating procurement preparations.

· Procurement of Rabi 2026 onion for buffer stocking is expected to support mandi prices and moderate volatility.

Monitoring and Enforcement

· The Department of Consumer Affairs has set up a Control Room to facilitate continuous interaction and information exchange with State Governments on prices and supply of food commodities.

· The Control Room also monitors enforcement of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, including action against hoarding and black marketing of essential commodities.

· The Department is also keeping a close watch on the complaints being received on the National Consumer Helpline-1915, available in 17 languages across the country. The helpline is also available through multiple platforms, including WhatsApp and the INGRAM portal ,  enabling consumers to register grievances with ease.

Energy Supply and Fuel Availability

An update on the prevailing fuel supply situation was shared, highlighting the steps being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the Strait of Hormuz closure. It was noted that:

Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness

· Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and rely only on official sources for 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 urged to conserve energy during the current situation.

Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures

· Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the Government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supply, particularly for hospitals and educational institutions.

· 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.

· A review meeting chaired by Secretary (MoPNG) with State officials highlighted measures to ensure adequate LPG supply and directed States to prioritise prioritize LPG distribution, especially for domestic and essential needs, while maintaining strict vigilance against hoarding, diversion, and misinformation. On reports concerning FTL LPG supplies to migrant workers, States clarified that there is no disruption in LPG supply affecting migrants and that supplies remain stable. Secretary informed that states may consider managing targeted distribution of 5 kg FTL LPG cylinders, based on local requirements along with OMCs.

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 of petroleum products.

· All Chief Secretaries, ACS/Principal Secretary/Secretary Food & Civil supply of all the States/UTs are requested –

Ø To issue daily press briefings and issue regular public advisories.

Ø To actively monitor and counter fake news / misinformation on social media.

Ø To intensify daily enforcement drives by District admin and to continue raids and inspections in coordination with OMCs

Ø To issue Commercial LPG allocation orders within their States/UTs

Ø To issue SKO allocation orders for additional SKO allotted to the States/UTs.

Ø To promote PNG adoptions and alternate fuels.

· All States/UTs have established control rooms and district monitoring committees to curb hoarding and black marketing.

· The Government of India vide letter dated 27.03.2026 and 02.04.2026 have requested Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs to intensify proactive & regular public communication, conduct daily press briefs at appropriate senior level along with timely dissemination of accurate information through social and electronic media to effectively counter misinformation and to reassure citizens regarding adequate availability and smooth distribution of LPG.

· Currently, 23 States/UTs are issuing regular press briefings.

Enforcement and Monitoring Actions

· Enforcement actions continue across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG.

· More than 1 lakh raids have been conducted and over 52,000 cylinders seized.

· Over 850 FIRs have been registered and about 220 persons arrested.

· PSU Oil Marketing Companies have strengthened surprise inspections and issued over 1,500 show-cause notices, imposed penalties on 118 LPG distributorships and suspended 41 distributorships.

LPG Supply

Domestic LPG Supply Status:

· LPG supply continues to be affected by the prevailing geopolitical situation.

· No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.

· Online LPG bookings have increased to about 97% across the industry.

· Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 90% to prevent diversion.

· Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal, with over 18 crore cylinders delivered to households since 1 March 2026.

Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:

  • To look into the issues of availability of petrochemicals like propylene, polypropylene, isopropyl alcohol, butadiene, butyl acrylate etc. for department of Pharmaceuticals, Animal Husbandry, Dept. of Chemicals and Petrochemicals, DPIIT etc, a Joint working group has been constituted which has recommended for diversion of certain volume of C3-C4 molecules by Refinery & Petrochemical complexes for these sectors. This group has also given recommendations for availability of feedstock for C2 based derivatives like LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE etc. and their supplies for the downstream units.
  • Total commercial LPG allocation has been increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation.

· Since 23 March 2026, about 6.75 lakh 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinders have been sold.

· PSU OMCs have organised around 550 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Keralam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal.

· More than 6,700 – 5Kg FTL cylinders were also sold in these 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.

· About 79,909 MT of commercial LPG (equivalent to over 42 lakh 19-kg cylinders) has been sold since 14 March 2026.

Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives

· Priority sectors continue to receive protected supplies, including 100% supply to domestic PNG and CNG transport.

· Gas supply to operating urea plants is currently around 70–75% of their six-month average consumption and is planned to increase to about 90% from 6 April 2026 (today).

· Gas supply to other industrial and commercial sectors, including City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, will be increased by an additional 10% from 6 April 2026 (today).

· CGD entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments such as hotels, restaurants and canteens.

· 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.

· 17 States/UTs are already receiving additional commercial LPG allocation linked to PNG expansion reforms.

· PNGRB has directed CGD entities to connect institutions such as schools, hostels, community kitchens and anganwadi kitchens through PNG within five days where pipelines are available.

· The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has adopted an Accelerated Approval Framework for CGD infrastructure for three months to process applications 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.

· The Ministry of Defence has issued a short-term policy modification till 30 June 2026 to expedite PNG infrastructure installation in defence residential areas.

· PNGRB has extended the National PNG Drive 2.0 till 30 June 2026 to sustain momentum in PNG expansion.

· Since March 2026, about 3.67 lakh PNG connections have been gasified and about 4 lakh additional customers have registered for new connections. 

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.

Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures

· Retail outlets across the country are operating normally.

· 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.

· Export levy has been imposed at ₹21.5 per litre on diesel and ₹29.5 per litre on ATF to ensure adequate domestic availability.

· Retail prices of petrol and diesel remain unchanged with no increase at retail outlets.

· The Government has advised citizens not to believe rumours and requested State Governments to disseminate accurate information through press briefings.

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.

· A Gazette notification dated 29 March 2026 allows distribution of PDS Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) in SKO-free States/UTs for cooking and lighting purposes through designated PSU OMC service stations.

· 18 States/UTs have issued SKO allocation orders, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have indicated no requirement.

Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations

The current maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, along with measures being undertaken to safeguard Indian vessels and crew, was also briefed. It was stated that:

· The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways continues to closely monitor shipping movements, port operations and the safety of Indian seafarers, while ensuring continuity of maritime trade.

· All Indian seafarers in the region are safe and no incident involving Indian-flagged vessels has been reported in the past 24 hours.

· In the past two days, two Indian-flagged LPG vessels, Green Sanvi and Green Asha, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Green Sanvi is carrying about 46,650 MT of LPG with 25 seafarers onboard, while Green Asha is carrying about 15,405 MT of LPG with 26 seafarers onboard.

· At present, 16 Indian-flagged vessels with 433 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region. The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) continues close monitoring in coordination with ship owners, RPSL agencies and Indian Missions.

· The DG Shipping Control Room remains operational 24×7 and has handled 5,113 calls and 10,647 emails since activation, including 25 calls and 100 emails in the past 24 hours.

· DG Shipping has facilitated the safe repatriation of over 1,599 Indian seafarers so far, including 120 in the last 24 hours from airports and various regional locations across the Gulf.

· Port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported. State Maritime Boards of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry have confirmed smooth functioning.

· The Ministry continues to coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian Missions and maritime stakeholders to ensure welfare of Indian seafarers and uninterrupted maritime operations.

Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region

Recent developments in the region, including assistance through Indian Missions, were shared during the briefing. It was informed that:

· The External Affairs Minister held telephonic conversations with the Foreign Ministers of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates and discussed the evolving situation in West Asia.

· The External Affairs Minister also received a call from the Foreign Minister of Iran, during which both sides exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in the region.

· The Embassy of India in Tehran has so far facilitated the movement of 1,777 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onward travel to India. This includes 895 Indian students and 345 Indian fishermen. The fishermen travelled from Armenia to Chennai on 4 April 2026. The Embassy also facilitated the transit of two foreign nationals—one from Bangladesh and one from Sri Lanka.

· Of the total evacuated, 1,545 crossed into Armenia and 234 into Azerbaijan. India has expressed appreciation to the authorities of Iran, Armenia and Azerbaijan for their support in facilitating safe transit of the evacuees.

· The Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Gulf and West Asia region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority.

· A dedicated MEA Special Control Room remains operational to assist Indian nationals and their families, with close coordination ongoing with State Governments and Union Territories.

· Indian Missions and Posts across the region are functioning round the clock, maintaining 24×7 helplines, issuing updated advisories and staying in regular contact with Indian community associations, organisations and companies.

· Missions continue to assist Indian nationals, including visa facilitation, consular services, logistical support and facilitating transit through neighbouring countries where airspace restrictions apply. They remain in close contact with local governments.

· Welfare of Indian students in the Gulf countries remains a priority, with Missions coordinating with local authorities, Indian schools, educational boards and the National Testing Agency to ensure that academic schedules and examinations such as JEE and NEET are not adversely affected.

· Missions are also providing support to Indian seafarers in the region, including coordination with local authorities, consular assistance, facilitating communication with families and assisting requests for return to India.

· Since 28 February, around 7,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India.

· In the UAE, airlines continue to operate limited non-scheduled flights based on operational and safety considerations, with around 90 flights expected to operate today to India.

· Flights continue to operate from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various destinations in India.

· Qatar airspace remains partially open, with Qatar Airways expected to operate around 8–10 flights to India today.

· Kuwait airspace remains closed, with Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.

· Bahrain airspace also remains closed, with Gulf Air operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam Airport in Saudi Arabia to India.

· Due to flight restrictions and airspace closures, travel of Indian nationals continues to be facilitated through alternative transit routes.

Ø From Israel via Egypt and Jordan.

Ø From Iran via Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ø From Iraq via Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Ø From Kuwait and Bahrain via Saudi Arabia.

 

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Middle East War Day 18: How Is Trump Trapped Between War and Campaign Promise? Choice Before Iran

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US President Donald Trump is badly trapped between his campaign promises against war and the strategic quicksand he has walked into on February 28, 2026, joining Israeli attacks on Iran, killing its top leadership. As the escalated war enters Day 18, Trump has no good options, and his reaction will likely be driven by ego and legacy, not ideology.

Option 1: The “Splendid Little War” Exit
Trump could simply declare victory. He could point to the killing of Khamenei and the degradation of Iranian military assets and say “mission accomplished.” However, the article argues this is harder than it sounds. Iran will not stop attacking US assets just because Trump stops. A unilateral withdrawal would leave Israel exposed and Gulf states vulnerable, and it would signal to the world that American might has limits.

Option 2: Double Down (Boots on the Ground)
This is the nightmare scenario. Trump repeatedly promised never to put American boots on the ground in Iran. But the article suggests it may be the only way to ensure a regime amenable to his demands. Given his political base and his “no new wars” brand, this is highly unlikely unless Iran pulls off a massive, embarrassing attack on US soldiers.

Option 3: Outsource the War
Arming Kurdish or ethnic factions sounds tempting, but the analysis calls this a “recipe for disaster.” It would fragment the opposition, drive neutral Iranians toward the regime, and create regional instability. Trump likes quick fixes, and this is a messy, long-term quagmire. He will likely avoid it.

Option 4: Pressure Israel
Trump retains massive leverage over Netanyahu due to Israel’s dependence on US military aid. If Trump decides the war is bad for his legacy and bad for the economy, he will force Israel to accept constraints. He will trade future Israeli strike capabilities for a ceasefire that stabilizes oil markets.

US President Donald Trump /White House

Trump is likely to seek a ceasefire, even if it means wrestling a concession from Israel. He did not start this war to die in it. He started it to look strong, and now he needs to end it without looking weak. The tragedy, as the author notes, is that the silent majority of Iranians who just want a decent life will be the ones left holding the pieces.

Iran’s Choice Backed by 40-Year-Long Strategy

Iran’s options are limited, but its strategy is clear: it is choosing to bleed the clock rather than win the battle. Tehran knows it cannot defeat the US military in a conventional face-off. So, it is playing the long game.

Choice 1: Inflict Enough Pain to Force a Choice on Trump
Iran’s strategic objective is to make the war so costly for the US and global markets that Trump is forced to negotiate a ceasefire on terms that benefit Tehran. Specifically, Iran wants assurances that future Israeli strikes will be constrained. They are betting that Trump cares more about oil prices and his legacy than about permanently erasing the Islamic Republic.

Choice 2: Hold Back Capabilities
Iran is deliberately not unleashing its full arsenal. It has refrained from unleashing the Houthis fully, launching broad cyberattacks, or mounting terrorism against US interests abroad. This is a calculated choice to keep reserves in the bank, ensuring that the regime can survive a long war of attrition without triggering an immediate apocalyptic escalation.

Choice 3: Nuclear Option 
While not explicitly stated, the consequence is that if the Islamic regime feels existential threat, racing toward a nuclear weapon remains a theoretical backstop. However, for now, they are choosing protracted pain over desperate measures.

The Oil Shock Lesson: Why Energy Diversification Is Back On The Global Agenda

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Energy crises have repeatedly reshaped the global economy, and the latest geopolitical tensions in the Gulf have revived concerns about the fragility of oil supply chains.

Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil consumption passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with international markets.

Any disruption to shipping through this route can have immediate consequences for energy prices and economic stability.

The International Energy Agency has long warned that global oil markets remain vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. Even brief disruptions in supply can trigger price volatility, inflation and financial uncertainty.

Countries heavily dependent on imported energy are particularly exposed.

China, the world’s largest crude oil importer, relies on overseas supplies for a large share of its consumption. India faces an even greater challenge, importing close to 90 percent of its oil needs.

Both countries have responded by diversifying supply sources and building strategic petroleum reserves.

In the United States, the shale revolution has significantly reduced reliance on foreign oil. Domestic production has surged over the past decade, transforming the country into one of the world’s largest energy producers.

Europe Pursuing Different Strategy

Following the disruption of Russian gas supplies after the invasion of Ukraine, European governments accelerated investments in renewable energy and alternative fuel sources.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has repeatedly argued that the transition toward renewables is also a matter of geopolitical security.

The broader lesson, analysts say, is that energy diversification remains essential.

Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, has described energy security as “one of the central challenges of modern economies.”

Countries are now exploring multiple strategies, from expanding renewable energy capacity and nuclear power to investing in electric vehicles and hydrogen technology.

While oil will remain a crucial energy source for decades, the repeated shocks of the past half century have reinforced a consistent message: dependence on a single region or fuel source carries profound economic risks.

Trump Revokes Oil Sanctions on Russia for 30 days; Moscow to Mint $5 Billion by Month-End

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Thursday night the Trump administration issued a temporary general license authorizing the delivery, sale and offloading of Russian crude and petroleum products loaded onto vessels on or before March 12, 2026, to stabilize global energy markets following the soaring of crude oil prices by the 13 years war between the U.S. and Israel, who war with Iran.

The license, called General License 134, takes effect through the middle of the Washington time on April 11, giving a 30-day period to such transactions, even involving authorized entities or vessels.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move on X, saying: “US is granting a provisional sanction to allow nations to buy Russian oil already at sea.”

Bessent further highlighted that the action will be a short-term, narrowly focused action that is only applicable in the oil already under transit but it would not give great financial relief to the Russian government, which gets most of its energy revenue as taxes levied at the point of extraction.

The move comes after the recent spike in oil prices due to the strikes by the U.S and Israel on Iran that started February 28, 2026, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and strikes on Iranian nuclear, missile, and military facilities.

Congestion of the Strait of Hormuz and less output of the Middle East have propelled prices upwards, with the Brent crude futures already trading past $100 a barrel on Thursday, although prices have soared to a high of 110-119 a barrel in recent trading.

Goldman Sachs predicts that in March Brent will exceed the $100-mark because of the volatility, which also marks the middle of a loss of supply that will result in a potential addition of supply to oil-starved markets.

Experts predict that the waiver will release up to 100-128 million barrels of Russian oil that is currently at sea and will likely add to affected markets. The presidential envoy of Russia Kirill Dmitriev advocated the move stating that the move concerns approximately 100 million barrels of it and it shows the involvement of Russian energy in global stability.

The license is a follow-up on a waiver of a prior March waiver specifically to India which is criticized. It has now allowed sales across the globe and this has given Russia a financial boost. The move has led to a rise in oil income in Moscow where certain reports reveal that there has been an increment of about $150 million per day more oil sales due to the rise in prices.

In February, Russia earned about $9.5 billion from oil and product exports, or roughly $339 million per day (based on 28 days). January revenues were $11.1 billion. Annual projections under normal conditions (pre-escalation) ranged from $113-129 billion for 2026, depending on sanctions enforcement.

India’s shift to Russian oil

Earlier March projections had India’s Russian crude imports dropping sharply to low levels (~129,000 bpd or less in some forecasts) due to intensified U.S. sanctions pressure and tariffs. However, with Middle Eastern supplies choked by the Iran conflict and Hormuz effectively closed, India has dramatically ramped up purchases. Indian refiners snapped up around 30 million barrels of Russian crude in recent days following a temporary U.S. waiver allowing deals on in-transit (already-loaded) sanctioned cargoes. March volumes are now tracking toward 1.5-1.6 million bpd so far, with projections for the full month potentially reaching 40 million barrels (pre-sanctions levels), as buyers like India and China seek alternatives to offset the ~10-20 million bpd global shortfall.

With U.S. temporary sanctions relief by Washington for 30 days Russia is likely to reap an estimated up to $150 million per day in extra budget revenues from surging oil prices and renewed demand, which means a ~14% jump over February averages, driven by higher export taxes. Cumulative early gains from oil export duties alone are pegged at $1.3-1.9 billion since the conflict escalated, with potential for $3.3-4.9 billion more by month-end if trends hold.

Mineral extraction tax surge

Russia’s key oil production levy (mineral extraction tax) is projected to nearly double in March to around 590 billion rubles (~$7.43 billion), thanks to the global price rally pushing taxable Urals prices well above the budget’s $59/bbl assumption (recently hitting $70-90+ levels in various reports, sometimes at premiums in India).

With Urals now trading much closer to (or occasionally above) Brent amid the crisis, and exports potentially stabilizing or rising on Asian demand, Russia’s full-year oil revenues could significantly exceed pre-conflict forecasts. Sustained high prices and volumes might push totals toward the higher end of prior estimates ($200-250 billion or more), offering major fiscal breathing room despite sanctions. 

These developments highlight Russia’s unexpected position as a prime beneficiary of the energy crunch, flipping prior sanction dynamics in its favor, at least short-term.

Democrats Oppose Trump’s Move

The step has received criticism by congressional democrats and European leaders. The decision was condemned by senate democrats like Elizabeth Warren, Jeanne Shaheen, Chuck Schumer and others as giving Putin a huge financial hit during his war in Ukraine and the Iran conflict was deemed reckless and ill-conceived, and is claimed to have strengthened the argument that the administration is enriching Russia at the cost of Middle East shocks.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reacted to the decision saying it was wrong and the Iran fighting was inadvisable and windfall profits were enriching Russia. The administration has positioned the step as a logistical one, ensuring the stranded cargoes do not disrupt shipping instead of the relief of broad sanctions, but critics say that this is a way of undercutting long-term effort to stop Russian revenue.

 

Embassies Under Fire: How Iran is Keeping US Diplomatic Missions On Battlefront

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From a smoke-stained guard tower in Baghdad to a backpack bomb in Oslo and gunshots at dawn in Toronto, Iran has increasingly turned the world’s diplomatic consulates into combat zones.
The guard tower at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center had barely stopped smoking when the State Department alert went out Tuesday night. Six drones had been launched at the facility. Five were intercepted. The sixth found the tower. Somewhere inside the compound, a sprawling logistical hub near the Iraqi capital’s international airport that keeps America’s entire regional diplomatic operation running, a terse internal message ordered staff to “duck and cover,” noting that “accountability is ongoing.”
Nobody in the building was publicly confirmed hurt. Nobody claimed the strike officially. But the culprits, according to a U.S. security official who spoke without attribution, were almost certainly the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella network of Iran-funded and Iran-commanded armed factions that have been carrying out strikes on American positions since February 28th.
That was the day the United States and Israel jointly opened what Washington called Operation Epic Fury and Tel Aviv dubbed Operation Roaring Lion, a joint air strike that, within hours, had killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and gutted the country’s air defence network. Iran’s answer, in the 11 days since, has been to bring the fight somewhere the Pentagon cannot so easily track on radar: the front doors of American embassies, consulates, and diplomatic compounds scattered across four continents.
THE SCORECARD: 11 DAYS OF ATTACKS ON DIPLOMATIC TARGETS
Feb 28  – Baghdad Green Zone — Katyusha rockets; U.S. Embassy, all consular services suspended.
Mar 1–2  Karachi, Pakistan — U.S. Consulate stormed; U.S. Marines fire on demonstrators.
Mar 2–3  Kuwait City — U.S. Embassy hit by drone; smoke reported; operations fully suspended Mar 5.
Mar 3 – Erbil, Iraq — U.S. Consulate and airport area struck; black smoke visible; consulate closed.
Mar 3–4  Dubai, UAE — U.S. Consulate targeted; six people injured by intercepted drone debris in Abu Dhabi.
Mar 3–5  Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — U.S. Embassy hit despite Saudi-Iran 2023 normalisation deal.
Mar 4–5  Bahrain — U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet HQ targeted; 75 missiles and 123 drones intercepted over five days.
Mar 5  Doha, Qatar — Voluntary departure ordered; 10 IRGC cell members arrested by Qatari authorities.
Mar 7  Baghdad Green Zone — Four Katyusha rockets hit the Green Zone; C-RAM systems engage.
Mar 8  Oslo, Norway — Backpack bomb detonates at U.S. Embassy consular entrance at 1 a.m.
Mar 8  Beirut, Lebanon — Israeli strike on Ramada Hotel kills four Iranian diplomats.
Mar 9  Toronto, Canada — Gunmen open fire on U.S. Consulate from a white Honda SUV at 4:30 a.m.
Mar 9  Liege, Belgium — Bomb explodes at synagogue; Iranian proxy network involvement suspected.
Mar 10  Baghdad — Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center struck; one drone hits guard tower.
Why Different Kind of Battle Front?
What makes this campaign different from anything Iran has attempted before is scale and geography. Tehran has always maintained what intelligence agencies call a “forward deterrence” doctrine, using proxy forces in Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza to keep the fight away from Iranian soil. But in 11 days, that doctrine has been turned outward, stretching from the Persian Gulf to Scandinavia to the Canadian lakeshore.
The numbers tell part of the story. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq alone claimed 67 separate drone and missile operations in the first three days. On Day Five, the IRGC announced it had fired 230 drones in a single coordinated wave at facilities hosting American troops across Iraq and Kuwait. Bahrain’s defence forces intercepted 75 missiles and 123 drones before the end of the first week. And still they kept coming.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell put the U.S. position in the clearest possible terms at a Tuesday briefing, saying American forces had now struck more than 5,000 targets inside Iran and were not finished. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking the same morning, was clearly confident: “Today will be, yet again, our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” he said. “The most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes. Intelligence more refined, and better than ever.” One drone hit the guard tower in Baghdad roughly four hours later.
Four Dead at Ramada, And a Letter Nobody Read
On the morning of March 8th, an Israeli airstrike hit the Ramada Hotel in Beirut. Inside were four Iranian diplomats: Majid Hassani Qandesar, second secretary at the Tehran embassy in Lebanon; Ali Reza Biazar, third secretary; Hossein Ahmadlou, Iran’s military attaché; and Ahmad Rasouli, a military mission officer. All four were killed.
Iran had moved them to the hotel specifically because the Israeli military had already announced its intent to strike Iranian diplomatic personnel in Lebanon. The relocation had been formally notified to the Lebanese Foreign Ministry under the terms of the Vienna Convention. Iran’s position is that Israel knew exactly where those men were, that Lebanon had been officially informed, and that the strike was therefore a premeditated assassination dressed up as a military operation.
Tehran’s UN Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani sent a formal letter to Secretary-General António Guterres describing the strike as a criminal act and a fundamental breach of international protections afforded to diplomatic personnel. Iravani then went to the Security Council chamber and made the same argument to member states, accusing the Council of paralysis in the face of what he called an escalating pattern of impunity. The Council took note of his remarks and moved on to the next agenda item.
“The Council is turning a blind eye to this grave violation despite its primary responsibility under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security,” said Iravani later.
Israel has not publicly commented on the specific targeting. Its broader position, maintained throughout the eleven days of operations, is that Iranian diplomatic cover in Lebanon has long served as camouflage for Quds Force commanders running operational networks against Israeli targets. Whether that justification holds under international law is a question being debated in academic journals and courtrooms that will take years to resolve. The four men at the Ramada will not see the verdict.
Oslo at 1 in the Morning
Two nights before the Toronto shooting, a backpack was left at the consular entrance of the United States Embassy in Oslo. It contained an improvised explosive device. The bomb detonated at approximately 1 a.m. on March 8th, causing minor structural damage to the entrance area and no injuries. Norwegian police launched an immediate investigation.
The timing, deep in the night, at a consular entry point, using a concealed device, carried the hallmarks of what European intelligence agencies have been tracking under the loose designation of Iran’s Foxtrot network: a series of clandestine proxy cells that, according to prior reporting by Swedish and Danish security services, have recruited members through criminal networks and social media platforms. The U.S. Embassy in Stockholm issued a warning about Iranian targeting operations through this network as far back as June 2025. In Oslo itself, a locally hired embassy guard had been convicted of espionage on behalf of Iranian intelligence just months earlier.
Norwegian Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl called the explosion unacceptable and said the government was treating it with the highest possible seriousness. No arrest had been made as of now.
4:30 A.M. in Toronto 
There is a particular kind of message that gets sent when gunmen choose 4:30 in the morning. The street is empty, the target is symbolic, the intent is to terrify without the risk of immediate apprehension. That calculation was made outside the United States Consulate in downtown Toronto on the morning of March 9th, when two men in a white Honda SUV pulled to the kerb, opened fire at the building’s glass-and-steel facade, and drove away. Nobody inside was hurt. The glass, as Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo dryly noted, is reinforced.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called it a reprehensible act and an attempt at intimidation, expressing relief that there had been no casualties. Ontario Premier Doug Ford did not traffic in diplomatic language. Speaking to reporters, he said he was personally convinced that Iran had activated sleeper cells across North America and that the Toronto shooting was not an isolated incident. “We have to weed these people out and hold them accountable,” he said. “This is my personal opinion and I don’t think I’m too far off with saying that. It’s a different world now.”
In the days surrounding the shooting, two Toronto synagogues were also targeted by gunmen. An Iranian-Canadian boxing club was attacked. RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather, heading the national security investigation, was careful to keep his language measured but acknowledged the self-evident: “Diplomatic premises everywhere,” he said, “currently warrant a sharply elevated level of vigilance.
I believe there are sleeper cells all over the world. They are in the U.S., they are in Canada. We have to weed these people out. It’s a different world now.

Washington’s number game

General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, told a Tuesday briefing that ballistic missile attacks originating from Iran had dropped by 90 percent since hostilities began and that one-way drone attacks had fallen by 83 percent. Hegseth called this strong evidence of military degradation. The inference he wanted reporters to draw was clear: “the campaign is working, Iran is running out of capacity, and the trajectory is toward resolution.”
Tehran’s newly installed parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected any such reading on the same day, while senior official Ali Larijani posted a direct message to Donald Trump on social media: “Iran doesn’t fear your empty threats.” Trump, meanwhile, had issued his own posts warning that “any Iranian mines found in the Strait of Hormuz would trigger consequences at a level… never seen before.” The Strait remains effectively shut to commercial shipping.
A Quinnipiac University poll conducted over the preceding weekend found that roughly seven in ten registered American voters were worried the war would push energy prices higher, including approximately half of all Republican respondents. Gas stations in the Midwest were already showing it.
Ground Reality
The State Department’s formal tally as of Tuesday: nonessential personnel ordered out of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, the UAE, and the consulate in Adana, Turkey. Emergency departure assistance extended to approximately 23,000 private American citizens across the region. Secretary of State Marco Rubio waived the standard legal requirement for evacuees to reimburse the government for charter transport costs, a small procedural detail that signals how seriously Washington is treating the threat level.
In Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani publicly condemned the militia attacks as violations of his country’s sovereignty, a statement that would have carried more weight had his government the capacity to enforce it. The International Zone in Baghdad, which houses the U.S. Embassy along with dozens of other diplomatic missions, is now effectively sealed. The U.S. Consulate in Erbil has suspended all services. Al Jazeera correspondent Assed Baig, reporting from the Kurdish capital, put it plainly: “All these attacks taking place overnight and early this morning highlight how increasingly Iraq is becoming a battleground in this widening Middle East war.”
In Iran itself, the internet has been down for the better part of ten days. Cybersecurity monitoring group NetBlocks recorded the shutdown at over 240 consecutive hours by Tuesday, describing it as among the most severe government-imposed nationwide blackouts ever documented. Tens of thousands of civilians have left Tehran and other major cities for rural areas and family farms. A Tehran-based lawyer, speaking anonymously to an international broadcaster, described Basij paramilitaries in her neighbourhood as heavily armed and watching for any sign of domestic unrest even as bombs continued to fall.
Back in Baghdad, the smoke above the guard tower had cleared by nightfall Tuesday. The State Department alert remained the same. “Accountability,” is “ongoing.” Whether that accountability ever catches up with the drones, the backpacks, the drive-by shootings, and the hotel strikes is the question that eleven days of war have so far left entirely open.

When Trump Came for Everyone With Tariffs, China Fought, Europe Flinched, Japan Bowed; India Simply Walked Away

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There is a test that powerful countries administer to everyone else every few decades. It is not announced formally. There is no letter, no ceremony, no official notice. The test arrives disguised as a trade policy. You discover you are being tested only by watching how you respond.

Trump administered that test in 2025. The tariffs were the instrument. The real question underneath them was simpler and older: how much humiliation will you absorb to keep America happy?

Every major economy answered differently. The answers were more revealing than any diplomatic communiqué.

China Bled First, Then Negotiated

China did what China always does when cornered. It hit back.

The moment Trump’s tariffs landed, Beijing retaliated, hard, fast, and with surgical precision aimed at the American constituencies that hurt most. Agriculture. Soybeans. Pork. The farmers in Iowa and Kansas who had voted for the man now watching their export markets evaporate. Bilateral tariff rates escalated rapidly until both sides were effectively taxing each other’s goods at 125 per cent, a trade war in everything but name, conducted with the cold efficiency of two countries that understand leverage.

It lasted months. It cost both sides real money. And then, in May 2025, they sat down and cut a deal, tariffs rolled back to ten per cent, a 90-day truce extended in August, formalised for a full year by November.

China did not get everything it wanted. But it negotiated from a position of demonstrated willingness to inflict pain. Washington knew, going into those talks, that Beijing had already shown it could make the phone ring in congressional offices across the Farm Belt. That knowledge shaped every sentence of the agreement.

You do not get a good deal by being easy to ignore.

Canada Went Loud, Then Went Quiet

Canada’s response was emotional, immediate, and very Canadian, which is to say it was righteous, noisy, and ultimately pragmatic.

Within hours of Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister Trudeau slapped 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods. Ontario pulled every bottle of American alcohol from government-run liquor shelves. Provincial premiers held press conferences. The phrase “economic sovereignty” appeared in Canadian newspapers approximately ten thousand times in a single week.

Then, by June, Canada paused further retaliation and entered negotiations. The shelves were quietly restocked. The trade talks ground on behind closed doors, away from the cameras that had captured all the initial fury.

Canada had made its point. It had shown it was not a pushover. It had then returned to the business of being America’s largest trading partner and closest neighbour, because geography and economics do not pause for diplomatic theatre.

The noise was genuine. So was the accommodation that followed. Canada fought for its dignity and then negotiated for its interests. Both things can be true simultaneously.

Europe Built Its Weapons and Never Used Them

The European Union spent much of 2025 in a state that can only be described as armed paralysis.

Brussels prepared retaliatory lists covering nearly €72 billion of American goods. It drafted legislation activating the Anti-Coercion Instrument — a legal mechanism designed specifically for moments like this one. It threatened to go after American services, American tech platforms, American financial firms operating within EU borders. The paperwork was meticulous. The political will was not.

Europe blinked. Repeatedly. Quietly. Without ever formally announcing that it had blinked.

The reasons were not difficult to identify. European economies depend on American markets to a degree that makes genuine trade war genuinely painful. And Europe’s dependence on Washington’s military support for Ukraine, a war being fought on European soil, paid for partly with American weapons, meant that Brussels could not afford to turn a trade dispute into an alliance crisis. Trump knew this. He had always known it. The tariffs on Europe were, in part, a test of exactly that dependency.

Europe failed the test by passing on the opportunity to take it. It armed itself thoroughly and then stood very still, hoping the moment would pass.

It mostly did. The cost was invisible but real, the credibility of the threat had been spent without anything to show for it.

Japan Bent the Knee and Got a Discount

Japan’s response was, in historical context, entirely unsurprising. It notified the World Trade Organisation of its intent to suspend concessions on steel, aluminium, automobiles and parts. It made the appropriate official noises. Then it negotiated.

Tokyo’s instinct, refined across a century and a half of managing the American relationship, through gunboat diplomacy and occupation and Nixon’s triple shocks and Bush’s dinner table incident, is always to find the accommodation rather than force the confrontation. Japan reached a trade agreement setting tariffs on its goods, including automobiles, at 15 per cent. Significantly below the 25 per cent that had been threatened. Meaningfully better than nothing.

Japan conceded. Japan got a discount. Japan went home.

There is no contempt in that observation. Japan’s circumstances, 54,000 American troops on its soil, an American-authored pacifist constitution embedded in its foundational law, a security architecture built entirely around the US-Japan alliance, leave Tokyo with genuinely limited room to manoeuvre. Japan knows this. Washington knows Japan knows this. The discount was the acknowledgement that Japan had been a cooperative subject.

A discount is not the same as respect. But it is what cooperative subjects receive.

Brazil Made Speeches

Brazil’s President Lula gave several impassioned addresses about sovereignty, fairness, the rights of developing nations, and the injustice of a global trading system designed by the powerful for the powerful. The speeches were good. They were well-delivered. They contained several genuinely quotable passages.

Brazil did not fire a single retaliatory shot.

Not one.

It evaluated potential measures. It confirmed willingness to negotiate. It reserved its position. It talked loudly, at length, and carried nothing at all.

And Then There Comes India

India did not retaliate. It did not make speeches. It did not prepare retaliatory lists it never used or schedule press conferences to announce tariffs it never imposed.

It filed a WTO challenge, a legal mechanism, quiet and procedural, that signalled disagreement without escalation. It absorbed the blow. And then it got on with its own business, which turned out to be rather more interesting than anything Washington had planned for it.

When Trump publicly claimed credit for mediating the India-Pakistan ceasefire after the May 2025 conflict, India rejected the claim flatly. No US role in the military negotiations, New Delhi said. Full stop. No diplomatic softening. No grateful hedging.

When Trump claimed India had agreed to slash its duties to zero, purchase $500 billion in American goods, and stop buying Russian oil entirely, Indian authorities confirmed none of it. Oxford Economics described the claims as unrealistic. India said nothing publicly and kept buying Russian oil, which it had been doing all along, which it continued doing through February 2026, and for which it eventually received a waiver from the very Treasury Department that had spent months punishing it for exactly this behaviour.

When Trump intensified outreach to Pakistan, even as he was hitting India with 50 per cent tariffs, India noted the irony and said nothing.

When the EU came calling, India signed what European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the “mother of all deals” — a trade agreement delivering an estimated €30 billion in export gains for both sides, accompanied by a defence pact. Modi then signalled warming relations with China. Precisely the strategic drift that Washington’s tariff pressure had been designed to prevent was happening, visibly, in full public view.

India’s exports to the US dipped 12 per cent in the final quarter of 2025. India’s economy grew 8.2 per cent in the same period, driven by its domestic market, which is large enough to not need Washington’s permission to function.

The tariff eventually came down to 18 per cent in the February 2026 truce. Trump announced it as a triumph. India accepted it as a correction.

What the Answers Tell You

China showed that if you make the cost of the tariff high enough, Washington will negotiate. Canada showed that you can be angry and practical simultaneously. Europe showed that a threat only works if you are willing to pull the trigger. Japan showed that a century of accommodation produces a discount, not dignity. Brazil showed that rhetoric unaccompanied by action is indistinguishable from silence.

India showed something different. It showed that a country large enough, confident enough, and strategically patient enough does not need to choose between fighting and submitting. It can simply decline to play on those terms, grow its economy, sign deals with other partners, wait for the logic of geography and demography to reassert itself, and let Washington eventually arrive at the conclusion India had been sitting on all along.

Trump came for India with tariffs, public insults, selective punishment, and demands that India manage its energy policy according to American geopolitical convenience. India filed a WTO complaint, kept buying Russian oil, grew at 8.2 per cent, signed a landmark deal with Europe, and waited.

China fought. Canada shouted. Europe trembled. Japan bowed. Brazil talked.

India walked away.

And Washington eventually followed when it conceded Russian oil for India amid Iran war.

Who Is Mojtaba Khamenei? The Shadow Cleric Who Became Supreme Leader of Iran, Why Trump Already Wants him dead?

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Thirty years he had been the most powerful man in Iran ever to be seen.

No speeches. No sermons. No interviews. And, even as his father was roaring away in pulpits and making a name in the history of a nation, Mojtaba Khamenei was toiling in the shadows, pushing through corridors, whispering into the correct ears, pulling the right threads that wigged the whole clockwork of the Islamic Republic without ever leaving the slightest trace of them upon it.

On Sunday the shadow got into the light.

As a successor to his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei who was killed in a joint US-Israel attack just nine days ago, Mojtaba Khamenei is currently the new Supreme Leader of one of the most heavily armed theocracies in the world. He is 56 years old. He has been sanctioned by the US since 2019. And Washington and Tel Aviv had succeeded in a few hours after his appointment to issue a public death warrant against him.

The Man Nobody Heard Coming

Mojtaba was born in 1969 in Mashhad as the second child of the Ayatollah. He had enlisted in the Revolutionary Guard in his teens in the Iran-Iraq War, pursued theology with his father in Qom and then did something uncharacteristic of a cleric with ambitions he went off to the gears of power instead of attempting to drive them in the limelight.

He had been the gatekeeper of his father over the course of decades. He controlled access to meetings and non-access. He established relationships among the most conservative branches of the IRGC. The kind of profile that was necessary in his case was the one that worked in subterranean deliberations between generals and clerics; this was already a mighty one.

His name was familiar to Iranian people. To the majority, he had never been heard.

What they were aware of and democracy activists have been screaming years ago, was that Mojtaba was the man behind the crackdown on the 2009 Green Movement, the bloody crackdown of hundreds of thousands of Iranians who flooded the streets following a contested election. Such demonstrations were systematically suppressed and brutally. Investigators say that his fingerprints were everywhere on it.

A Vote Held Under the Gun

The process of selection said it all about what Iran is going through. As the nation was at war, its skies still reeking of Israeli attacks, members of the Assembly of Experts, senior ones, were under heavy pressure by the IRGC commanders just before the vote was taken. The individuals who objected were allowed little time to speak. Discussion was cut short. The vote was called quickly.

The outcome was packaged instantly in the tone of rebellion. One of the members of the Assembly said that the new leader was selected specifically because he was a man that the enemy hated – a literal, intentional attack on Donald Trump, who had already referred to the appointment as unacceptable before it was even official.

Iran had chosen the man that America did not want. And they would have that people know it was done on purpose.

A Warning to the World, Which Trump Delivers Not Diplomatically Dressed

Washington was not subtle in his position. A few days prior to the vote, Trump was confrontational as usual when he spoke to the ABC News that Mojtaba would not be able to remain in power without American approval, and that without it he would not last long. In another interview, he rejected the younger Khamenei saying that he even had a father who was reportedly incompetent.

Israel was equally direct. The Israeli Defence Minister was quoted saying that the appointment also placed Mojtaba an instantaneous target to be killed.

The response of Iran was not verbal but in the shape of missiles. Soon after the announcement, the Iranian state television showed footage of another strike, that is, the projectiles, which, reports said had the inscription: At Your Command, Sayyid Mojtaba.

The new supreme leader was an heir of a war. The initial move that he made was to continue fighting it.

Why This Changes Means Everything

The decision of Mojtaba Khamenei informs you about something significant where the actual power of Iran currently lies. This is not a pragmatist. This is not a diplomat. It is a man who has spent his whole career within the bosom of the IRGC, a man whose instincts were developed not in the bargaining table but in the culture of violence and the inculcate of military obedience.

The appointment, analysts pay close attention to, indicates that the hardline security establishment of Iran has solidly established itself in power, and that the off-ramp of the ceasefire or diplomacy has indeed become even even more distant.

And to that, a Bloomberg investigation published earlier this year which has implicated Khamenei in an offshore financial system that goes across London, Dubai real estate, shipping, banking and the image that comes out is of a man who knows power in all its variants.

Iran has a new supreme leader. He is younger, tougher and more imbedded in the war machine than his father was. Trump has threatened to cause consequences. Israel has promised strikes. And the man to whom most Iranians had never heard a word spoken has already responded to them both, one missile at a time.

 

Israel Strikes Iran Oil Fields, Black Rain Envelopes Tehran; Breathing Problem Pervades

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Thick black clouds covered the Tehran areas on Sunday with residents claiming that when it rains, oily residue fell onto the ground following Israeli airstrikes to various oil storage and fuel distribution sites around the Iranian capital that caused massive fires, causing plumes of smoke to fill the Iranian capital.

The attacks, which were declared late on Saturday, were directed to the oil storage tanks and fuel transfer stations in Tehran and the adjacent province of Alborz, as per Iranian media. There were also large mass fires and explosions observed in various areas because the combustible tanks emitted heavy smoke which covered big parts of the city.

The inhabitants reported about a weird dark rain that made the streets, automobiles and buildings black. This was found to be due to the mixing of soot, oil particles and other pollutants of the burning facilities with rain clouds as they swept over the capital.

Governments encouraged their citizens to remain at home and wear masks because of poor air quality. The environmental officials had cautioned that the smoke had hydrocarbons and other chemicals which might irritate the lungs and eyes.

“It is raining oil in Tehran this morning after major airstrikes on oil facilities in the south and west of the capital,” CNN correspondent Frederik Pleitgen wrote on social media.

Fars, an Iranian news agency reported that in the attacks, there were at least four oil storage depots and fuel transfer centres that were hit. There were local reports that a fuel facility was hit in the strikes killing several tanker drivers.

The assault is among the most major attacks on the Iranian energy infrastructure since the present stage of the conflict commenced towards the end of the previous month. Israel has indicated that its military activities are to undermine the strategic and military power of Iran.

Oil Pivotal in Iran Vs US-Israel Conflict

The Iranian leadership has threatened to take revenge as the tension in the region keeps building up. The escalating conflict has already had an impact on shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz which is one of the most important oil transit routes globally.

“The world is watching the Strait of Hormuz closely because any disruption there immediately sends shockwaves through global oil markets,” one energy market analyst said.

Any kind of disturbance in the Strait of Hormuz has become a global obsession due to the fact that any kind of disruption will automatically cause ripples to the oil markets in the world, as one of the energy market analysts remarked.

To the people of Tehran, though, the burning issues are the smog that stands over the city and the strange black rain that ensued the night of the explosions and fire. Officials reported that the air quality monitoring would be ongoing when emergency personnel tried to contain the fires and know the damage.

Amid Iran Tensions, US Asks India To Absorb Russian Oil Meant For China; What The Proposal Means For India?

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• US suggested India absorb Russian oil waiting for Chinese refineries
• Over 100 million barrels of crude currently floating offshore
• Extra cargoes could benefit Indian refiners through discounted supply
• Move aimed at cooling global oil prices amid Middle East tensions

The United States has proposed that India reflect on absorbing over 100 million barrels of Russian oil which is already offshore to be transported to refineries in China, which Washington reckons will assist in alleviating the soaring oil prices amidst the threats of violence in the Middle East.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the suggestion was part of a short-term effort by the Trump administration to stabilise energy markets unsettled by disruptions in the Middle East. Speaking in television interviews on CNN and CBS News, Wright said senior US officials had directly raised the idea with New Delhi.

“I did call up the Indians, as did Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent,” Wright said, noting that a large volume of Russian oil is currently idling at sea while waiting to be processed by Chinese refineries. According to Wright, more than 100 million barrels of Russian crude are effectively stuck in a queue offshore because of limited unloading capacity in China.

The proposal, he said, was to divert those cargoes to Indian refineries instead of leaving them anchored for weeks.

“Instead of having it wait six weeks to unload there, let’s just pull that oil forward, have it land at Indian refineries and tamp this fear of shortage of oil, tamp the price spikes and the concerns we see in the marketplace,” Wright said.

“This is simply a pragmatic step with a short time horizon,” Wright said. The US official emphasised that the outreach to India does not signal any shift in Washington’s broader policy toward Moscow.

“The United States’ policy towards Russia has not changed,” Wright said when asked whether the move contradicts Western efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy.

Wright added that the global oil market remains fundamentally well supplied and that recent price spikes are largely driven by uncertainty rather than an actual shortage.

“The world is very well supplied with oil right now,” he said.

Tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments, has begun to resume following disruptions linked to the Iran conflict, although traffic remains below normal levels.

“We’re nowhere near normal traffic right now, and it will take some time,” Wright said, adding that any disruption is likely to last weeks rather than months.

What It Means For India?

India has become one of the biggest purchasers of discounted Russian crude since the war in Ukraine changed the global energy trade in 2022. The Russian oil is currently taking up approximately a 1/3rd of the crude imports into India and assists Indian refiners to obtain supplies at prices which are usually lower than those of the producers found in the Middle East.

Should the Indian refiners intervene and absorb some of the oil that is already awaiting China, this may contribute to alleviating congestion in global supply chains and avoid another round of crude prices soaring. Analysts opine that more discounted cargoes may also enhance the company refining margins of companies like Indian Oil Corp, Reliance Industries and Nayara Energy, which have increased their consumption of Russian crude in the last three years.

Nevertheless, the concept is not fully unproblematic.

The refining system already used in India has the capacity to process the blend of crude grades and the high volume would require a larger refinery capacity, logistics and contracts in place. The shipping routes and insurance arrangements may also come into play especially with the complicated system of sanctions on Russian energy exports.

New Delhi has always justified its energy buying decisions with Russia by saying that it is vital to buy low-cost gas to support its economy. Indian officials have reiterated on several occasions that the country would purchase oil anywhere it could at good prices.

In the case of international markets, the diversion of cargoes that is lying offshore may assist in abating the so-called fear premium which has increased the oil prices in the recent Middle East tensions.

In the case of India, however, the scenario may provide it with another opportunity to consolidate its as one of the most versatile and opportunistic purchasers in the rapidly divided energy market.