Two Indian LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday amid the ongoing West Asia conflict. The ships are carrying about 92,700 metric tons of LPG and are expected to reach Mundra and Kandla ports on March 16 and 17. Officials said 24 Indian-flagged vessels were earlier in the Persian Gulf, and 22 remain there with 611 Indian seafarers onboard. The government confirmed that all Indian crew members in the region are safe. Authorities also urged people not to panic-buy petrol, diesel, or LPG. The petroleum ministry said fuel supplies across India remain stable and sufficient. (PC: Reuters)

Iran has strongly criticised the United States and European nations during the ongoing conflict. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of asking countries, including India, to buy Russian oil. In remarks posted online, Araghchi said the US was “begging the world” to purchase Russian crude to control rising energy prices. He said the war had disrupted global oil supplies and created instability in energy markets. Araghchi also accused European governments of supporting what he called an “illegal war on Iran.” Meanwhile, the US has issued a temporary waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil already loaded at sea to stabilise global markets.

A drone strike targeted a major oil storage facility at Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday, forcing some operations to stop. Large clouds of smoke were seen rising from the complex after the intercepted attack. The strike came amid rising tensions in the region after US attacks on Iran’s Kharg Island. The island is Iran’s main oil export hub. US President Donald Trump said military targets there had been “totally obliterated”. Iran warned it would respond if its energy facilities were attacked. Tehran said oil and energy sites linked to companies working with the US could be “turned into a pile of ashes”. (PC: BBC)

The Centre on Saturday revoked the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act. He was later released from Jodhpur Central Jail. Wangchuk was detained in October 2025 and later shifted to a jail in Rajasthan under the NSA. The government had accused him of inciting unrest during protests. The Ministry of Home Affairs said the decision was taken after due consideration. “The Government remains committed to fostering an environment of peace, stability, and mutual trust in Ladakh,” the ministry said. His wife Gitanjali J. Angmo earlier said he would avoid agitation after release and continue the movement through dialogue. (PC: The Hindu)

The government has set a new LPG refill cycle after a sharp rise in panic bookings. Urban consumers must wait 25 days before reordering a cylinder, while rural areas will follow a 45-day cycle. Petroleum Ministry spokesperson Sujata Sharma said bookings rose from 76 lakh on March 13 to 88.8 lakh on March 14. She warned that panic booking was putting pressure on supply. “Wherever commercial consumers are facing difficulties or disruptions in LPG supply, they should be transitioned to PNG connections,” Sharma said. Officials said no LPG stockout has been reported so far. Two LPG vessels carrying 92,700 metric tons are expected to reach Gujarat ports on March 16 and 17. (PC: India Today)

A suspected Iranian drone strike triggered a large fire at the Port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s key oil storage and bunkering hubs. The attack reportedly hit or caused debris to fall near oil storage facilities, sending thick smoke into the sky and forcing the suspension of some oil-loading operations. Emergency services quickly responded and worked to contain the blaze, with officials reporting no immediate casualties. The incident comes amid escalating tensions in the Iran–Israel War 2026 and threats against Gulf energy infrastructure. Analysts warn the attack highlights growing risks to global oil supply routes and energy markets. (PC: X)

The Indian government has assured that petrol and diesel are adequately available across the country despite concerns triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States. Authorities said fuel supply chains remain stable and oil marketing companies have sufficient stocks to meet domestic demand. Citizens have been urged not to panic-buy or hoard fuel, as such actions could disrupt normal distribution. India has also increased crude sourcing from regions outside the Strait of Hormuz to reduce dependence on Middle East routes. Officials added that strict measures are in place to prevent black marketing and ensure uninterrupted fuel availability nationwide. (PC: Representative Image)

Kharg Island, Iran’s crucial oil export hub in the Persian Gulf, was targeted during US strikes amid the escalating Iran–Israel War 2026. Former US President Donald Trump called the island Iran’s “crown jewel,” while renowned Iranian writer Jalal Al-e-Ahmad once described it as the “orphan pearl of the Persian Gulf.” The island handles nearly 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it central to the country’s economy. Although strikes reportedly focused on military targets, Kharg Island’s strategic role in global energy supply means any disruption could significantly impact Iran’s economy and international oil markets. (PC: Reuters)

Akasa Air has announced a fuel surcharge on domestic and international flight tickets starting March 15 as rising oil prices strain the aviation sector. The increase comes amid global energy market volatility triggered by the Iran–Israel war 2026, which has disrupted crude oil and LPG supply routes. Meanwhile, the Indian naval vessel INS Shivalik is escorting an LPG tanker carrying about 55,000 tonnes of cargo—roughly equivalent to nearly one day of India’s LPG imports. Authorities are closely monitoring energy supplies as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to threaten global shipping and fuel availability. (PC: The Hindu)

The Indian government has revoked the detention of Ladakhi climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act, drawing mixed reactions from political leaders and activists. Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the decision, urging peaceful dialogue and stressing that violence should have no place in the region. Meanwhile, activist Sajjad Kargili said the release is positive but the movement for Ladakh’s rights and autonomy will continue. Wangchuk had been detained since September 2025 after protests in Leh turned violent, resulting in four deaths and several injuries, intensifying demands for constitutional safeguards for the region. (PC: HT)