A major explosion occurred at a major gas export terminal in Qatar on Sunday (21 June 2026) night, in which 13 people died. 54 others were injured, while 18 people are still missing. This accident happened when the employees were trying to restart the plant which was closed after the Iranian attack. Citizens of India and Pakistan are also among those who died.

People from India and Pakistan were among those who died.

People from India and Pakistan work in Qatar on a large scale. It is not yet clear how many people from which country have lost their lives in this accident. According to the report of news agency Associated Press, the explosion took place in the Barzan Gas Supply Facility located in ‘Ras Laffan’ Industrial Area. Qatar is one of the world’s largest natural gas producers. This accident may again deepen the crisis in the gas market across the world.

This plant in Qatar produces about 1.4 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily. Qatar mainly uses this gas to generate electricity and run drinking water plants in its country. The ownership of this plant is with Qatar’s government company ‘QatarEnergy’, while a small part is also with the American company ‘ExxonMobil’.

13 people died, 54 injured in the accident

Due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Iran war, Qatar was not able to send its ships out, so it had stopped production. Now, amidst the talks about ending the war, Qatar had started the work of restarting this terminal and during this time this accident happened. Qatar’s Energy Minister Sherida Al Kaabi said on Monday (22 June 2026) that 13 people have died and 54 are injured in the accident.

India’s reaction to the explosion at Qatar gas plant

The Indian Embassy in Doha expressed deep concern over the unfortunate incident that took place at Ras Laffan Industrial City. On social media platform X, the Embassy said that in these difficult and challenging times, the Embassy of India and the entire Indian community living in Qatar stand in solidarity with the Government of Qatar and its people. The embassy wished the speedy recovery of the injured and expressed prayers for the safety of the missing. The Embassy has also issued a helpline number and email ID for assistance and information.

There may be shortage of LPG again!

Due to this explosion, the effect of gas crisis can be seen once again in the world. Qatar is one of the world’s largest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exporters. Many major countries in Europe and Asia (such as Japan, South Korea) are completely dependent on Qatar’s gas for their energy and electricity needs. The supply of gas from Qatar was already stopped due to the war. Gradually, it was expected that Qatar’s exports would start again, then this accident happened. In such a situation, it may take more time for the supply to start.

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Cuba Crisis: Cuba is currently facing a serious fuel crisis. The situation has become so bad that diesel and fuel oil have almost completely ended in the country. Due to this, there are frequent power cuts in the capital Havana. Which is being considered as the worst power crisis of the last several decades.

The country’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O said while talking to the government media that the country neither has any stock of diesel nor fuel oil left. He told that the national electricity grid has reached a very bad condition. Also, at present there is no reserve left.

People’s troubles increased due to long power cuts

Power cuts have increased significantly in Cuba’s capital Havana during this week and the last few days. According to the Energy Minister, in many areas people have to live without electricity for 20 to 22 hours every day.

The problems of the people who were already suffering from shortage of food items, medicines and fuel have now increased further. The government says that the country’s power grid is currently being run with the help of domestic crude oil, natural gas and renewable energy.

Solar power increased, but crisis continues

Cuba has expanded solar power capacity by about 1,300 MW in the last two years. However, due to acute shortage of fuel and instability of the electricity grid, its full benefit is not being achieved. Due to the poor condition of the grid, both power production and its capacity are being affected.

Cuba ready to buy oil from any country

Cuba’s Energy Minister has said that Cuba is ready to buy fuel from any country that is ready to sell it to them. But the situation is such that the big countries like Mexico and Venezuela, which earlier supplied oil to Cuba, stopped sending fuel after Donald Trump’s new order in January 2026.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently appealed to the countrymen to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel. He had said that in view of the global situation, energy saving has now become not only an economic necessity but also a national responsibility. This appeal of PM Modi has come at a time when due to Iran-Israel tension and West Asia crisis, a rise in fuel prices is being seen across the world.

How much impact did the energy crisis have on neighboring countries?

Neighboring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Myanmar are facing severe fuel crisis, whereas India has so far given great relief to the general public by keeping the prices of petrol and diesel stable. Between February 2026 and May 2026, huge fluctuations were seen in international crude oil prices, which had the biggest impact on South Asian countries. The sudden rise in petrol and diesel prices has shaken economies like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar. On the other hand, India has kept itself in a relatively strong position by keeping fuel prices stable amid this global crisis.

The price of petrol in India in February 2026 was around ₹ 91.30 per liter and it remained at almost the same level till 10 May 2026. Despite global war-like circumstances and pressure in the oil market, there was no major change in domestic prices. This stability is also considered important because India imports most of the crude oil it needs. Despite this, strategic storage, imports from diverse sources and balancing tax structure provided relief to the common consumers.

Pakistan: double burden of inflation and tax

The situation in Pakistan appears to be most serious. The prices of petrol there had reached 400 to 450 Pakistani rupees per liter. If we look at it in Indian Rupees then it comes to around ₹ 122 to ₹ 133 per litre. On May 9, 2026, the government fixed the maximum depot price of petrol at Pakistani rupees 414.78 per liter, which is equivalent to about Rs 123 per liter in Indian currency. In this, approximately 144.26 Pakistani rupees were taxes and government fees, that is, about 34.8 percent of the total price was only indirect taxes.

Due to the energy crisis, the Government of Pakistan took steps like reducing office hours, banning non-essential lighting and limiting electricity consumption. In a country facing economic crisis, rising fuel prices are increasing the problems of the common people.

Myanmar: the most frightening situation

The situation in Myanmar was even worse. While in February 2026, the price of petrol was around 2,700 Myanmar Kyat per litre, which was around ₹95 in Indian currency, by May it increased to around 5,500 Kyat i.e. around ₹193 per litre. This is an increase of approximately 102 percent. Due to political instability and weak supply system, the fuel crisis there badly affected transportation and trade.

Sri Lanka: Crisis reached rationing

The price of petrol in Sri Lanka was around 240 Sri Lankan rupees per liter in February, which increased to around 338 Sri Lankan rupees per liter by May. In Indian currency it comes to about ₹ 106 per liter. In a country trying to overcome the economic crisis, the government had to implement QR code based rationing system. People are being given limited quantity of fuel so that consumption can be controlled. Rising prices have put additional pressure on Sri Lanka’s budget and transportation system.

Nepal: Most expensive fuel in South Asia

Petrol prices in Nepal were recorded among the highest levels in South Asia. Petrol there reached 219 Nepali rupees per liter, which is equivalent to approximately ₹137 per liter in Indian currency. Despite continued supplies from India, the impact of the global market was clearly visible there.

Bangladesh: heavy dependence on imports

Bangladesh imports about 95 percent of its energy needs. By May 2026, the price of petrol there will reach around 116 taka per liter, which is approximately ₹ 85 per liter in Indian currency. Amidst the crisis, India sent 5000 tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh on March 10, 2026 and continued the supply assistance further. Although prices increased there, the situation was not as bad as in Pakistan and Myanmar.

China: Prices reached equal to India

The situation in China was also interesting. In February, petrol there was around 6.5 yuan per liter i.e. around ₹ 75 per litre, but after the war and supply crisis, the prices increased to around 7.9 yuan i.e. ₹ 91 per litre. Now the prices of petrol in China and India have almost reached the same level.

The impact of this crisis across South Asia is not limited to petrol pumps only. In many countries, steps like switching off street lights, closing markets early, implementing work from home and saving electricity are being taken. Amidst this, India’s role has emerged as a power maintaining regional stability. By continuing to supply fuel to neighboring countries, India not only maintained strategic balance but also showed how important strong economic management is in times of global crisis.

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Pakistan is facing a serious fuel crisis amid the ongoing war in West Asia. Petroleum Minister Ali Malik said that the country does not have even one day’s strategic petroleum reserves. In an interview given to Pakistan’s Sama TV, Malik mentioned the serious crisis prevailing in Pakistan and compared the situation with India and said that the country has only 5 to 7 days of commercial crude oil reserves.

What did Malik say about India?
Malik said, “We do not have any strategic oil reserves. We have only commercial reserves. We have enough crude oil for 5-7 days and the product with OMCs can last only for 20-21 days. We are not like India, which has 60-70 days of reserves and which they can release with just one sign.”

Malik said that Pakistan has done adequate research on this subject. An independent consultant has given a detailed report on how Pakistan can manage its strategic stockpiles. The minister said that no action has been taken so far on the report due to the huge costs of operating these oil reserves, which could reach millions of dollars.

Malik told the situation of Pakistan
Malik also pointed out that historically crude oil prices in Dubai have never reached $170, which reflects the extreme volatility in global markets. He said that the Shehbaz Sharif government is trying to reduce the hardships of the people and efforts are being made to provide subsidies as far as possible. He further said that the Pakistani government is keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure the availability of petrol despite global uncertainty due to the Iran-US conflict.

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Total capacity of India’s SPR is 53 lakh metric tons.
The total capacity of India’s strategic petroleum reserves (SPR) is 53 lakh metric tonnes (MMT), which is equivalent to approximately 3692 crore barrels. In contrast, Pakistan does not have strategic petroleum reserves and has only limited commercial reserves. Islamabad has announced a plan to keep reserves of up to 90 days in view of the risks posed in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Amidst the ongoing tension with Iran in the Middle East, America has given a big relief to the Philippines which is struggling with energy crisis. The US administration led by President Donald Trump has approved the Philippines’ request to buy crude oil and petroleum products from Russia for the next one month. The Energy Department of the Philippines has officially announced this on Monday (April 27, 2026).

According to Reuters report, Alessandro Sales, Undersecretary of the Energy Department of the Philippines, said that this relief given by America will be applicable for the next one month i.e. from April 17, 2026 to May 16, 2026. This decision has been taken at a time when the ongoing tension between America and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is affecting the oil supply globally.

Philippines has 54 days of energy reserve left

According to the report, the country’s Energy Secretary Sharan S. Garin said the Philippines currently has 54 days of energy reserve, but given the current situation, additional options were necessary. He said that the ban imposed on new coal projects in the country will continue, even though various business groups demanded the removal of this ban due to energy security risks related to the Middle East.

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Trump had given exemption to Philippines earlier also

According to Reuters report, America had also given permission to the Philippines to buy crude oil and petroleum products from Russia in the month of March, the deadline for which has ended on the 11th of this month i.e. April 11, 2026. However, America’s once again approving the Philippines’ request is a big relief for it.

Last week, US President Donald Trump had extended the exemption to buy crude oil from Russia to keep oil prices under control in the global market. This step of Trump benefited many countries of the world as well as India. Apart from this, Trump’s exemption brought a lot of relief to the Philippines.

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Europe Fuel Crisis: In the midst of the Iran war, global energy has now reached the sky, due to which the threat to air travel has started increasing. The International Energy Agency (IAE) has warned that Europe probably has only six weeks of jet fuel left. Meanwhile, if a large part of the supplies coming from the Middle East is not completed soon, the situation will become more serious by June.

In fact, the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for bringing jet fuel from the Gulf, has been closed for the last six weeks, due to which the supply has been greatly affected. For this reason, the prices of jet fuel are increasing rapidly and the risk of shortage is also increasing. According to IEA chief Fateh Birol, if this situation continues, many flights may have to be cancelled.

Fear of increasing fuel crisis

IEA said that earlier Europe used to import about 75 percent of its jet fuel from the Middle East, but now to meet the shortfall, European countries are trying to increase supplies from countries like America and Nigeria. However, experts believe that this will not be able to fulfill the entire shortcoming.

The report also said that if Europe is unable to meet even 50 percent of its Middle East imports, there may be a fuel shortage at some airports, which will lead to cancellation of flights. Even if 75 percent of the supply is changed, the pressure may still remain before August. The British government has said that it is monitoring the situation in collaboration with airlines and fuel suppliers. At present there is no major problem in the UK, but there is concern about the future.

160 flights canceled in Europe

On the other hand, airlines are also being affected by this crisis. Jet fuel prices reached a record high of $1,838 (approximately Rs 1.53 lakh) per tonne in April, which was earlier around $831 (approximately ₹69,000 – ₹70,000). This has increased the cost of airlines, because fuel accounts for 20-40 percent of their expenses. Some airlines have also started taking steps.

EasyJet had to incur additional fuel expenses in March itself, while KLM has decided to cancel 160 flights in Europe next month due to rising costs. However, the European Commission says that at present there are no clear signs of fuel shortage, but supply-related problems may arise in the future.

The situation has become more serious amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. There has been news of a major attack on Iran by Israel, in which three airports of Iran are said to have suffered heavy damage. According to reports, dozens of aircraft and helicopters were destroyed in this attack, and Iran’s military infrastructure also suffered extensive damage.

On the other hand, Iran’s military has taken a tough stance and said that it will continue fighting against Israel and America as long as its political leadership finds it necessary. This statement clearly indicates that Tehran is in no mood to retreat at the moment. According to experts, such attacks and retaliatory statements can further increase tension in the region, which will not only deepen the military conflict but can also worsen the energy and economic crisis at the global level.

The impact of the global energy crisis due to the ongoing war in the Middle East is being seen everywhere. Meanwhile, India’s neighboring country Nepal, which is facing oil crisis, has announced two important decisions on Sunday (April 5, 2026). The government led by the newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal Balendra Shah (Balen) has announced changes in the time table of government offices across the country.

Under the new decision of the government, now government offices in Nepal will open from 9 am in the morning and will remain open till 5 pm. Apart from this, the government has also announced two days holiday on Sunday as well as Saturday in government offices and schools including other educational institutions of Nepal.

Government officially announced

Issuing an official statement, Nepal government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel said that from now on, Saturday and Sunday, i.e. two days a week, will be closed in government offices and educational institutions across the country. He said that this decision has been taken by the Government of Nepal due to the difficulties and uncomfortable conditions in petroleum supply in the country.

He said, ‘The government has decided in the Council of Ministers meeting to maintain the timings of all government offices except educational institutions from 9 am to 5 pm. This new system will be implemented across the country from Monday (April 6, 2026). Under which now government employees will have to report to their office at 9 am, so that efficiency is not affected anywhere in the country.

What was the time table of offices in Nepal earlier?

This decision of the Nepal government is being seen as a step to prevent government work and efficiency from getting affected amid the oil crisis in the country. Generally, work in government offices in Nepal used to start at 10 am and end at 5 pm, in which the morning time has been extended by one hour under the new decision. This was done so that the efficiency could be avoided due to two days off in a week (Saturday plus Sunday) instead of one.

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India has given a big relief to Sri Lanka amid the energy crisis caused by Iran’s war against America and Israel and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. India supplied a total of 38,000 metric tons of petroleum products to Sri Lanka as emergency assistance, which includes 20,000 metric tons of diesel and 18,000 metric tons of petrol.

Sri Lanka openly expressed gratitude to India after this help. According to the Indian High Commission in Colombo, this supply was made at a time when the global supply chain had been disrupted due to the Iran war and Sri Lanka was facing a serious fuel crisis. Prominent Sri Lankan opposition leader Sajith Premadasa also thanked India and said that real relationships are recognized in times of crisis, and India has proved this by supporting us in this difficult time.

China did not help

In January, Sri Lanka signed a $3.7 billion deal with China’s state energy company Sinopec to build a 200,000 barrel capacity oil refinery near Hambantota port. But China has not yet provided any help during the crisis caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This statement of Premadasa is being seen as an indirect criticism of China.

Force majeure and disruption in international supplies

Due to the war in West Asia, many international suppliers refused to supply fuel citing ‘force majeure’. Sri Lanka got into serious trouble due to shortage of ships and obstruction in sea routes. In such a situation, India immediately provided emergency supplies through Indian Oil Corporation (IOC).

Earlier on March 24, there was a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sri Lankan President Anur Kumar Dissanayake, in which the situation in West Asia, disruption in supply chains and energy cooperation were discussed. At the same time, on March 23, Foreign Minister S. There was also a conversation between Jaishankar and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

Impact of fuel crisis in Sri Lanka

Due to the fuel crisis in Sri Lanka, the prices of petrol and diesel were recently increased by 25%. The price of petrol was increased to Rs 398 per liter and diesel to Rs 382 per liter. The situation became so serious that the government implemented a four-day working week and also promoted work from home.

Importance of Strait of Hormuz

About 20% of the world’s oil is supplied through the Strait of Hormuz. The situation worsened due to its closure. Sri Lanka is completely dependent on imported oil, hence this help from India proved to be a lifeline for it.

Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, the market of rumors is constantly hot in India. There are reports of shortage in the prices and supply of petrol, diesel and LPG gas in the country. Meanwhile, the government has given a big statement on Friday (March 27, 2026) regarding the supply and shortage of oil and gas. The government said that there is no shortage of oil in the country and the supply is lined up for the next 2 months.

In the joint press conference of the Ministry of Petroleum, External Affairs and Shipping of the Government of India, it was said that 70 percent of the commercial LPG supply in the country has been restored and 30 thousand tonnes of gas has been given to commercial consumers. Apart from this, 30 thousand cylinders of five kg each have also been given. We have petrol and diesel in adequate quantity, LPG-PNG is available, there are queues at petrol pumps just because of rumours.

All citizens present in the Gulf safe within 24 hours: Government

All Indian citizens are safe in the Gulf region in the last 24 hours. In the last two days, after LPG, panic is being spread about petrol and diesel and rumors are being spread whereas the truth is that there is no shortage of petrol and diesel.

What did the government say on lockdown?

It has been told in the press briefing that there is no need for lockdown. There is no decision that there will be a lockdown and no such consideration has been made.
There are one lakh petrol pumps in the country, out of which 91,000 are of PSU, there is adequate amount of oil in the country and there is no shortage anywhere. I have said less than two months’ stock, we have two months’ supply available. Apart from this, we have adequate amount of fuel available.

Oil prices will be monitored: Government

The government said that due to the ongoing war and conflict in the Middle East, the price of crude oil has increased significantly in the international market. During this time, the government also gave information about reduced duty on petrol and diesel. It was also said that the government will come up with a mechanism by which the rates can be monitored every 15 days.

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