In stark contrast, LPG consumption saw a dramatic decline. It dropped by 13% due to ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

As of midday, the statistics revealed that LPG consumption fell to 2.379 million tons from 2.729 million tons in March 2025.

This decrease was primarily driven by a nearly 48% drop in commercial LPG usage and a staggering 75.5% reduction in bulk sales.

Domestic LPG sales also decreased, falling by 8.1% to 2.219 million tons.

Interestingly, petrol sales increased by 7.6%, reaching 3.78 million tons during this period.

The Indian oil and gas market is projected to grow. Demand is expected to reach 5.99 million barrels per day by 2026.

India’s dependence on imports for crude oil remains high, at approximately 88-90%. For LPG, this figure stands at around 60%.

Geopolitical tensions have caused significant supply disruptions affecting both commercial and domestic users across the country.

Indian refineries have been instructed to increase LPG production from petrochemical feedstock to mitigate these issues.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term impact of these shifts on energy prices and availability.

This sequence of events underscores the evolving energy landscape in India, where demand for diesel is rising even as reliance on LPG diminishes amid external pressures.

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Air India has faced significant operational challenges due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, leading to the suspension of all flights to Israel until May 31, 2026. Prior to this development, the airline maintained regular services to Israel, catering to a substantial number of passengers.

As of April 6, 2026, Air India and Air India Express operated a total of 30 flights to and from the West Asia region. Notably, 10 of these flights were non-scheduled services specifically to and from the United Arab Emirates, marking a decisive shift in their operational strategy.

This change directly affects the approximately 40,000 Indians currently in Israel, who are facing travel disruptions. With scheduled operations suspended at UAE airports, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, the introduction of non-scheduled flights provides a crucial alternative for those needing to travel.

Passengers booked on suspended routes are being offered the option to rebook for a later date without additional charges or request a full refund. Air India has been proactive in reaching out to affected passengers using registered mobile numbers to provide updates and rebooking options.

Despite the suspension of flights to Israel, Air India continues to operate long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Australia as scheduled. This indicates a strategic focus on maintaining connectivity in other key markets while navigating the complexities of the current situation.

Air India Express is also facilitating rebooking for passengers traveling from any UAE station to destinations in India, ensuring that travelers have viable alternatives during this turbulent period.

All operations are being conducted with the necessary approvals from Indian and UAE regulatory authorities, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to compliance and safety. “These flights are being operated with the requisite permissions from the relevant Indian and local regulatory authorities in the UAE,” an Air India spokesperson confirmed.

Additionally, Air India has established a 24×7 emergency helpline for Indians in Israel, reflecting its dedication to supporting its customers during this crisis. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv has also launched a large-scale registration drive for Indians in Israel, further underscoring the urgency of the situation.

As air travel between India and key West Asian hubs continues to operate under a revised schedule, the introduction of non-scheduled flights to the UAE represents a critical adaptation to evolving operational constraints. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the long-term implications of these changes, but the immediate response has been swift and focused on passenger needs.

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In a significant escalation of military tensions, Iran claims to have launched a cruise missile towards the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The Iranian Army’s public relations announced that coastal cruise missiles were fired in the direction of the carrier, marking a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States.

Iran’s naval commander has issued a stark warning, stating that the USS Abraham Lincoln would be targeted if it entered the range of Iran’s missile systems. This assertion underscores the heightened military posture in the region, where the Iranian military claims that the carrier was forced to change its position following the missile launch.

A video shared by Iranian state media purportedly shows missile launches and the sounds of explosions; however, this footage has not been independently verified. The absence of confirmation from the United States regarding any missile impact or damage raises questions about the accuracy of Iran’s claims.

Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari, speaking on behalf of the Iranian military, declared, “The Iranian Navy’s Qader cruise missiles targeted the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier belonging to the US and forced it to change its position.” He further emphasized, “The era of your promises is over. Today, there are only two fronts in the world: truth and falsehood.” This rhetoric reflects Iran’s aggressive stance amidst ongoing military actions in West Asia.

The situation follows a series of airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets since February 28, contributing to the already volatile atmosphere in the region. Zolfaqari also remarked, “If the self-proclaimed superpower of the world could have escaped this predicament, it would have done so by now,” highlighting Iran’s defiance against perceived Western hegemony.

Despite the Iranian military’s claims, there has been no independent confirmation of missile impact, damage, or the current location of the USS Abraham Lincoln. The lack of US acknowledgment regarding the missile launch leaves the situation ambiguous, with observers closely monitoring developments.

Iranian officials have denied any official communication with the United States regarding the missile launch, further complicating the narrative. As tensions continue to rise, the Iranian military insists that stability in the region is ensured by its armed forces, asserting their capability to respond to perceived threats.

Details remain unconfirmed, and the exact status of the USS Abraham Lincoln following the reported missile launch remains unclear. The unfolding situation is critical, with potential implications for regional security and US-Iran relations.

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The All Party Meeting was convened in Parliament House, New Delhi, to address the escalating tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted critical maritime corridors and raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals in Gulf nations. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting, attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, along with leaders from various opposition parties.

The meeting lasted for 1 hour and 45 minutes, during which the government assured that there is enough energy security in the country. Four ships are expected to dock in the next 4-5 days, further stabilizing supply chains affected by the ongoing conflict.

More than 375,000 Indians have been brought back since the conflict began, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad. Kiren Rijiju, a prominent opposition leader, stated, “All the opposition colleagues have said that in this hour of crisis, whatever decision the government takes, whatever steps it takes according to the prevailing situation, everyone will support it unitedly.”

The External Affairs Minister conveyed that the Prime Minister’s message to the US President was clear: “The war should end, because it is hurting everybody.” This statement underscores India’s position on the conflict and its implications for global peace.

Government officials emphasized that they are ‘on top of geopolitics’ and assured the public that there is ‘nothing to worry’ about energy supplies. The establishment of seven empowered groups to develop strategies on fuel, supply chains, and fertilizers was also announced, indicating a proactive approach to the crisis.

As the situation in West Asia continues to evolve, observers are keenly watching how the government’s strategies will unfold in the coming days. The commitment to open discussions with the Opposition suggests a unified front in addressing this critical issue.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of the meeting’s outcomes, but the urgency of the situation has prompted swift action from all parties involved.

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The crisis in West Asia has escalated dramatically over the past three weeks, creating a complex web of challenges for India. As tensions rise, Prime Minister Modi has been actively engaging with leaders from Gulf countries, Iran, Israel, and the United States to navigate this precarious situation. The urgency of the matter is underscored by the fact that nearly one crore Indians live and work in the Gulf region, making the stakes particularly high.

Since the onset of the conflict, more than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India, highlighting the immediate impact on the Indian diaspora. The government has established 24/7 control rooms and emergency helplines to assist Indians abroad, ensuring that their safety is prioritized amid the turmoil. PM Modi emphasized, “The whole world is urging all parties for the earliest possible resolution of this crisis,” reflecting the global call for peace.

India’s extensive trade relations with countries embroiled in the conflict further complicate the situation. The nation has expanded its energy import sources from 27 to 41 countries over the past 11 years, which has been crucial in mitigating potential disruptions in supply chains. Modi noted, “Continuous efforts are also underway to determine how we can overcome the disruptions that have occurred in the supply chain,” indicating a proactive approach to safeguard India’s economic interests.

Moreover, India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which exceeds 53 lakh metric tonnes, positions the country to manage energy security during this crisis. The conflict has also prompted the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to cancel scheduled Class 10th and 12th examinations in Indian schools located in Gulf countries, reflecting the widespread impact of the situation on education and daily life.

In the backdrop of these developments, PM Modi has raised concerns regarding de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments. He stated, “India’s concerns are naturally greater, and therefore it is essential that a united and unanimous voice goes out to the world from India’s Parliament on this crisis.” This call for unity underscores the importance of a cohesive national response to the challenges posed by the conflict.

As the situation evolves, the Indian government remains vigilant, continuously monitoring global developments to protect both consumer and industry interests. The crisis has created unprecedented economic, national security, and humanitarian pressures for India, necessitating a robust response to safeguard its citizens and economic stability.

With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the urgency for diplomatic solutions remains paramount. The international community is watching closely, and India’s role in advocating for peace and stability in West Asia will be critical in the coming days. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps in diplomatic negotiations, but the focus on resolving the crisis continues to dominate discussions at the highest levels of government.

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Just days before the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament was set to commence on March 28, 2026, in Cyprus, Koneru Humpy announced her withdrawal from the event. Citing personal safety and well-being as her primary reasons, Humpy’s decision has sent shockwaves through the chess community.

On March 22, FIDE confirmed Humpy’s withdrawal, which is particularly significant given that she had qualified for the tournament by finishing as the runner-up at the 2025 Women’s World Cup. The tournament is a crucial event that determines the challenger for the Women’s World Championship, making her absence notable.

In her statement, Humpy expressed, “No event, no matter how important, can come before personal safety and well-being. Despite the assurances provided, I do not feel fully secure under the current circumstances.” This sentiment reflects the heightened tensions in the region, influenced by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Following her withdrawal, Anna Muzychuk has been named as Humpy’s replacement. The Cyprus Chess Federation, represented by President Criton Tornaritis, expressed disappointment over Humpy’s decision, criticizing her comments regarding safety in Cyprus. Tornaritis stated, “I am sincerely disappointed by Koneru Humpy’s decision to withdraw, citing that Cyprus ‘is not safe.’” He further remarked, “It was a bad move.”

Despite Humpy’s absence, India will still be represented in the tournament through players R Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh. This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by female players in the chess world, particularly in light of safety concerns that can impact their participation in international events.

The tournament is scheduled to run until April 16, 2026, and will continue to draw attention as it unfolds without one of its key competitors. Humpy’s two-time Women’s World Rapid Championship title and her previous status as a world title challenger underscore her significance in the chess arena.

As the chess community reacts to this unexpected turn of events, the implications of Humpy’s withdrawal resonate beyond the tournament itself, raising questions about the safety of players in regions affected by conflict.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific safety concerns that led to Humpy’s decision, but the situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by athletes in volatile regions.

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The crisis in West Asia has escalated over the past three weeks, creating a complex web of challenges for India. As tensions rise in the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively engaging with leaders from Gulf countries, Iran, Israel, and the United States to address the situation. With nearly one crore Indians living and working in Gulf nations, the stakes are particularly high.

On the ground, the Indian government has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of its citizens. Since the onset of the conflict, more than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India. This mass repatriation underscores the urgency of the situation, as families anxiously await news of their loved ones. To facilitate this, the government has established 24/7 control rooms and emergency helplines for Indians abroad, ensuring that assistance is readily available.

In a recent address, PM Modi emphasized the global call for a resolution, stating, “The whole world is urging all parties for the earliest possible resolution of this crisis.” His comments reflect India’s growing concerns about the humanitarian and economic impacts of the conflict, particularly given the extensive trade relations India has with countries directly affected by the war.

Furthermore, the Indian government is continuously monitoring global developments to protect both consumer and industry interests. Modi noted, “Continuous efforts are also underway to determine how we can overcome the disruptions that have occurred in the supply chain.” This proactive approach is crucial as the conflict threatens to disrupt energy supplies and trade routes vital to India’s economy.

In terms of energy security, India possesses a Strategic Petroleum Reserve of over 53 lakh metric tonnes, which is a critical buffer in times of crisis. Over the past 11 years, the country has expanded its energy import sources from 27 to 41 countries, enhancing its resilience against global supply shocks. This diversification is particularly important as the conflict in West Asia could potentially impact oil prices and availability.

Moreover, the conflict has led to significant disruptions in education, with the CBSE cancelling scheduled Class 10th and 12th examinations in Indian schools located in Gulf countries. This decision highlights the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing turmoil, affecting not just the economy but also the lives of students and families.

As the situation continues to evolve, PM Modi has reiterated the importance of a united voice from India’s Parliament on this crisis, stating, “India’s concerns are naturally greater, and therefore it is essential that a united and unanimous voice goes out to the world from India’s Parliament on this crisis.” This call for unity reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for a coordinated response.

As of now, the Indian government remains vigilant, navigating the complexities of the West Asia conflict while ensuring the safety of its citizens and the stability of its economy. The implications of this crisis are profound, and the actions taken in the coming days will be crucial for India’s future in the region.

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The resumption of Air India flights is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between India and West Asia, with a total of 58 flights linking the two regions. This move comes as travel demand between the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman increases, reflecting a broader recovery in international travel.

Flight Operations Details

Air India is currently operating one round-trip flight from Delhi to Jeddah and two from Mumbai to Jeddah. Additionally, Air India Express has scheduled one round-trip from Bengaluru and one from Kozhikode to Jeddah. Flights to Muscat include one round-trip from Delhi and Mumbai, along with two from Kozhikode.

Both airlines are also providing non-scheduled round-trip services to Riyadh from Mumbai and Kozhikode, further expanding their reach in the region.

IndiGo’s Contribution

IndiGo is set to resume flights to nine destinations in the Middle East starting March 12, 2026. This expansion by IndiGo complements the efforts of Air India and Air India Express to meet the growing travel needs of passengers.

Extra Flights Scheduled

In addition to regular services, Air India and Air India Express have scheduled 78 extra flights between March 10 and March 18, 2026, focusing on long-haul routes. This increase in flight availability is aimed at accommodating the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during this period.

Passenger Advisory

Passengers are advised to check flight status regularly as schedules may change. IndiGo has noted that “flight schedules may change at short notice,” emphasizing the need for travelers to stay informed.

Moreover, Air India Express has announced that guests traveling to and from the Gulf region to India are eligible for a free date change or cancellation for travel scheduled until March 31, 2026, providing additional flexibility for travelers.

Looking Ahead

As travel between the UAE and India continues to recover, the resumption of Air India flights and the expansion of services by other airlines signal a positive trend in the aviation sector. However, details remain unconfirmed regarding future expansions or changes in flight schedules.

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Context of the Order

The order was enacted under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, reflecting the government’s urgent need to ensure equitable distribution of natural gas amidst these global challenges. The disruptions have prompted suppliers to invoke force majeure, leading to a diversion of gas supplies to priority sectors, as the government seeks to stabilize domestic energy needs.

Priority Sectors Defined

The regulation categorizes gas consumers into four priority sectors. Priority Sector I includes domestic piped natural gas (PNG), compressed natural gas (CNG), LPG production, and essential pipeline operational needs, which will receive 100% of their average gas consumption. Priority Sector II encompasses fertilizer plants, which are allocated 70% of their average gas consumption. Priority Sector III, which includes tea industries and other industrial consumers connected to the national gas grid, will receive 80% of their average consumption. Lastly, Priority Sector IV applies to industrial and commercial consumers supplied through City Gas Distribution (CGD) networks, also receiving 80% of their average consumption.

Impact on Non-Priority Sectors

To meet the demands of these priority sectors, the regulation allows for the curtailment of gas supplies from non-priority sectors. This means that industries not classified as essential may face significant reductions in their gas allocations. Additionally, oil refineries have been directed to reduce their gas consumption to approximately 65% of their average usage over the past six months, a move aimed at reallocating resources to more critical areas.

Management and Compliance

The Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL) has been tasked with managing the diversion and redistribution of natural gas under this new order. All entities involved in the natural gas sector, including major companies like ONGC, Reliance Industries Limited, Oil India Limited, and Vedanta Limited, are required to furnish detailed information regarding their production, imports, stocks, allocation, and consumption to the Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell. This transparency is crucial for effective management of the gas supply chain during these turbulent times.

Government’s Commitment to Energy Security

The government’s actions underscore its commitment to ensuring energy security for citizens amid ongoing uncertainties in global oil and energy markets. The prioritization of LPG supply for households is a critical aspect of this strategy, as officials aim to mitigate the impact of the West Asia crisis on domestic energy availability. Non-domestic supplies from imported LPG are being prioritized for essential sectors such as hospitals and educational institutions, further emphasizing the government’s focus on safeguarding public welfare.

The Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 marks a pivotal moment for India’s energy policy, reflecting the need for adaptive measures in response to global disruptions. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness of these regulations in ensuring equitable gas distribution will be closely monitored by all stakeholders involved.

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