India recently repatriated 29 seafarers from the Gulf region, bringing the total number of evacuated personnel to 2,829. This action comes as the government works to address misinformation regarding a supposed spike in fuel prices. During an inter-ministerial briefing, Mukesh Mangal, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, reassured that all Indian vessels and crew in the Persian Gulf are being closely monitored and are safe, with no reported incidents involving Indian-flagged vessels in the last 24 hours.
Mangal noted that the Directorate General of Shipping’s control room has been actively assisting seafarers and their families, managing a significant number of distress calls and inquiries. Officials reported that the helpline has received approximately 8,000 calls and 17,000 emails, including 114 calls and 276 emails in the past day alone. This update occurs amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, particularly concerning negotiations between the United States and Iran, despite a temporary ceasefire beyond the April 21 deadline.
In a separate matter, the government has dismissed a viral social media post claiming a steep increase in petrol and diesel prices as false. The Press Information Bureau clarified that no such directive had been issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, labeling the circulating document as fabricated. The misleading message suggested petrol prices had risen by ₹10 per litre and diesel by ₹12.50, prompting authorities to urge the public to verify information before sharing it. They emphasized that any official announcements regarding fuel prices would come through verified channels and called for responsible information sharing to prevent unnecessary panic.
