Govt asserts sufficient stock of coal is available at mines and power plants across country amid West Asia conflict

DELHI | April 8, 2026: The government today asserted that a sufficient stock of coal is available at mines and power plants across the country. Addressing the inter-ministerial briefing on recent developments in West Asia in New Delhi, Joint Secretary at the Coal Ministry, Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, said that there has been no rise in the price of coal and adequate stock of coal have been maintained in the wake of the evolving West Asia conflict. Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, said that LPG, petrol, and diesel are available in sufficient quantities across the country, and normal supply is continuing.

She added that domestic consumers were prioritised to ensure 100 per cent supply to households, and the supply of commercial LPG was regulated. She said that the government expanded the PNG connections and also increased the supply of commercial LPG in a calibrated manner. Meanwhile, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India has welcomed the ceasefire reached between the United States and Iran. He said that the External Affairs Ministry hopes that it will lead to a lasting peace in West Asia and unimpeded freedom of navigation and global flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz.

He underlined that India welcomes all steps that lead to peace and stability and expressed hope that this development in West Asia will also encourage peace efforts in Ukraine. Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Mukesh Mangal, said that port operation across the country is normal and no congestion has been reported. He added that the Ministry has facilitated safe repatriation of more than 700 Indian seafarers, including 63 from several regional locations across gulf nations. Mr Mangal said that the Directorate General of Shipping’s control room has handled more than 5 thousand calls and over 11 thousand emails since its activation. He said that the Ministry continues to coordinate with other maritime stakeholders to ensure seafarer welfare and uninterrupted maritime operations.

- newsonair