The Centre on Tuesday dismissed media reports claiming that India is pursuing a deep-sea energy pipeline linking Gujarat with Oman and other Gulf countries, clarifying that no such proposal is under consideration.
In a statement, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said it had taken note of reports referring to a proposed Middle East-India Deepwater Pipeline (MEIDP) connecting India with Gulf nations.
"The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas wishes to categorically clarify that no such proposal is currently under consideration by this Ministry. There are no active discussions or negotiations with Oman or any other Gulf countries on this project at any level in this Ministry," the statement said.
The ministry added that the clarification was being issued to put all speculation on the matter to rest.
The clarification comes amid heightened attention on India's energy security due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Despite the challenging situation, the government said energy supplies remain stable and adequate.
Separately, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said the Malta-flagged LNG carrier DISHA, managed by a Shipping Corporation of India-led consortium, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday carrying 62,370 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) bound for Dahej in Gujarat. The vessel is expected to reach India on June 18.
The government said it remains in constant coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions abroad, shipping companies and other stakeholders to ensure the safety and welfare of Indian seafarers.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) has advised shipping companies and maritime recruitment agencies to restrict the deployment of Indian seafarers in conflict-hit areas of the Middle East until further orders. The advisory was issued days after three Indian seafarers aboard commercial vessel MT Settebello were killed following a US military strike off the Oman coast.
Masters of vessels operating in or transiting through the Gulf region, including the Strait of Hormuz, have been asked to maintain heightened security vigilance, closely monitor navigational warnings and implement all prescribed security measures.
According to the government, port operations across India remain normal with no congestion reported. DG Shipping's control room has received 406 calls and 784 emails over the past 96 hours and has facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 3,587 Indian seafarers from the Gulf region so far.
The Petroleum Ministry also said that supplies of LPG, PNG and CNG across the country remain unaffected despite the geopolitical situation. Priority supplies are being ensured for hospitals, educational institutions and key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, steel, automobiles and agriculture.
To manage demand, the government has implemented several measures, including boosting refinery production, extending LPG booking intervals and increasing the availability of 5-kg cylinders for migrant workers and students.
