India's domestic LPG production has surged by 25 percent following a government order issued on March 8 directing refineries and petrochemical complexes to maximise cooking gas output by diverting streams of propane, butane, propylene, and butenes to the LPG pool — with the entire additional production being channelled exclusively towards household consumers, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Sujata Sharma said at an inter-ministerial briefing on Wednesday evening.

Sharma confirmed that approximately 70 percent of India's crude oil imports are now arriving from sources outside the Strait of Hormuz — and that the volume of crude secured by the government actually exceeds what would normally have transited through the strait under pre-conflict conditions. India's oil marketing companies have activated alternative supply arrangements across a network of 40 crude-exporting countries, while gas companies have also procured LNG cargoes from new sources, with two LNG shipments already en route to India.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal used the briefing to confirm, for the first time, Indian casualties from the maritime conflict. Two Indian nationals have died and one person remains missing after merchant vessels they were sailing on came under attack in the region. A further number of Indians who sustained injuries in the GCC region are receiving treatment, with Indian consulates in active contact with the affected individuals and their families. Jaiswal said all Indian Missions across GCC and West Asian countries remain in regular communication with community members and reiterated the government's commitment to their welfare.

Special Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Rajesh Kumar Sinha said that 28 Indian-flagged vessels carrying 778 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf — all under active government monitoring. Authorities, ship managers, and recruitment agencies are coordinating closely with Indian embassies and local authorities to ensure their safety and provide medical assistance where needed. Sinha added that port operations across India remain stable, and ports have been directed to extend all necessary support to exporters to ensure continuity of trade.