Textiles and handicrafts sector under priority category for natural gas supply; Supplies maintained at 80% of past six months’ average consumptionCustoms duty deferred on 29 key textile inputs; Ministry of textiles pursues removal of customs duty for other inputs including MMF Value Chain, CottonMinistry of textiles recommends anti-dumping duty removal/ deferment on EFY and VFY to safeguard downstream sectorsMore than 67,000 cylinders seized across the country with over 1160 FIRs registered, and 271 persons arrested since March 2026Over 42,800 PNG consumers surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website till yesterdayMore than 8300 MT of propylene and 870 MT of Butyl Acrylate sold by Mumbai, Kochi, Vizag, Chennai and Mathura refineries to Chemical, Pharma and Paint Industries since 9th April 2026Ministry of Shipping facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 2,800 Indian seafarers so far, including 24 in the last 24 hours from various locations across the Gulf regionOverall flight situation continues to improve with additional flights operating from the region to various destinations in India
Summary
Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministrie
4 min read · Government Policy Update
Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministrie
Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. The Ministry of Textiles also shared updates regarding the textiles sector.
Textiles and handicraft sector updates
Ministry of Textiles has been in regular touch with stakeholders on the issues faced by the textiles and handicraft sector due to the West Asia crisis. A monitoring cell has been formed which is looking at measures that the Ministry can take to facilitate the industry. Some of the actions taken in response to the crisis are the following:
Regular Stakeholder consultations
Ensuring supplies of fuel/natural gas for the industry
Removal of customs duty on inputs for the textiles and handicraft sector
Removal/ Deferment of Anti-Dumping duty
Dissemination of information on Best Practices of State Governments
Proposals related to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)/ Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
Energy Supply and Fuel Availability
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that:
Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness
Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures
Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms
Enforcement and Monitoring Actions
Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:
Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives
Crude Position and Refinery Operations
Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures
Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures
Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, detailing the measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that:
Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:
Amid the evolving situation in West Asia, the Government of India continues its efforts to keep citizens informed through regular updates. In this regard, a media briefing was held today at the National Media Centre, where officers from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Ports, Shipping and Waterways, and External Affairs provided updates on fuel availability, maritime operations, assistance to Indian nationals in the region, and measures being undertaken to maintain stability across key sectors. The Ministry of Textiles also shared updates regarding the textiles sector.
Textiles and handicraft sector updates
Ministry of Textiles has been in regular touch with stakeholders on the issues faced by the textiles and handicraft sector due to the West Asia crisis. A monitoring cell has been formed which is looking at measures that the Ministry can take to facilitate the industry. Some of the actions taken in response to the crisis are the following:
Regular Stakeholder consultations
Ensuring supplies of fuel/natural gas for the industry
Removal of customs duty on inputs for the textiles and handicraft sector
Removal/ Deferment of Anti-Dumping duty
Dissemination of information on Best Practices of State Governments
Proposals related to Foreign Trade Policy (FTP)/ Export Promotion Mission (EPM)
Energy Supply and Fuel Availability
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas provided an update on the current fuel supply situation, outlining measures being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of petroleum products and LPG in the context of the evolving situation in West Asia. It was noted that:
Public Advisory and Citizen Awareness
Government Preparedness and Supply Management Measures
Coordinated Efforts with States/UTs and Institutional Mechanisms
Enforcement and Monitoring Actions
Commercial LPG Supply and Allocation Measures:
Natural Gas Supply and PNG Expansion Initiatives
Crude Position and Refinery Operations
Retail Fuel Availability and pricing Measures
Kerosene Availability and Distribution Measures
Maritime Safety and Shipping Operations
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways provided an update on the prevailing maritime situation in the Persian Gulf, detailing the measures being undertaken to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and crew in the region. It was stated that:
Safety of Indian Nationals in the Region
The Ministry of External Affairs continues to monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia region, with focused efforts on ensuring safety, security and welfare of the Indian community in the region. It was informed that:
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