As tensions continue to rise in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that there is no shortage of gas or oil in India.

Speaking about the global developments, Shinde said the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are keeping a close watch on the evolving war situation and its potential impact on fuel supply.

Shinde stated that the central government is actively monitoring the availability of essential fuel resources and is taking necessary steps to ensure that supply remains uninterrupted across the country.

The assurance comes amid growing global concerns that the conflict in West Asia could disrupt energy supplies and affect international oil markets. India, which imports a large share of its crude oil, often remains sensitive to geopolitical developments in the region.

According to Shinde, the government’s priority is to ensure that citizens do not face any disruption in the availability of fuel.

Shinde also cautioned against the spread of rumours regarding possible shortages of gas or oil in the country. He said misleading information circulating among the public could create unnecessary panic.

Authorities have emphasised that there is no immediate threat to fuel availability and that adequate monitoring mechanisms are in place.

Officials have also been tracking global developments closely, especially developments in West Asia, which is one of the most important regions for global oil production.

The deputy chief minister said the state government and the central government are working in coordination to ensure that the interests of citizens remain protected during the evolving global situation.

He stressed that both levels of government are committed to preventing any adverse impact on the public.

As the geopolitical situation continues to unfold, authorities are keeping a close watch on developments while maintaining preparedness to respond to any possible disruption in fuel supply.

Mumbai: Several locations in Mumbai, including Vidhan Bhavan, Bombay Stock Exchange and High Court, received a bomb threat via email today, March 12, leading to an immediate security response. Notably, the date of the bomb threat also coincides with the anniversary of the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts, reviving memories of the devastating serial explosions that shook the financial capital more than three decades ago.

On the unfateful day, the first blast had exploded at 1:30 pm in the basement of the Bombay Stock Exchange building, killing about 50 people and injuring many more, after which a series of bombs exploded at various locations across the city, including the Air India Building, the Centaur Hotel, and the Zaveri Bazaar.

The blasts resulted in the deaths of 257 people, with over 700 injured. Many of the victims were innocent civilians, including women and children. The investigation revealed that the blasts were masterminded by Dawood Ibrahim, a notorious underworld don with ties to international terrorist organisations, to take revenge on the Indian government over the destruction of the Babri Masjid. The main perpetrator of the blasts was identified as Tiger Memon, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim. Memon had planned and executed the blasts with the help of a network of accomplices.

Threatening emails were also received at the BSE, Vidhan Bhawan, and the Bombay High Court this morning. The threat mail warned CM Fadnavis to move a motion supporting a Khalistan referendum and condemn the Centre. If demands were not met, it threatened a missile attack. Apart from Vidhan Bhavan, similar threats were reportedly sent to banks, courts and the metro system.

Following the alert, teams from the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and police personnel rushed to the Vidhan Bhavan complex and began thorough inspections of the premises. Security has also been heightened at several other prominent locations mentioned in the email. CM Fadnavis also arrived at Vidhan Bhavan despite the threat to bomb Vidhan Bhavan. His arrival at Vidhan Bhavan came as the Maharashtra Budget session was underway.

Navi Mumbai: Panic buying was witnessed in parts of Navi Mumbai on Thursday as residents queued up outside a gas agency in Sanpada amid the ongoing LPG shortage. Viral visuals circulating on X show a large crowd gathered outside the gas station, with people surrounding the agency and long queues of residents waiting with empty cylinders.

The rush comes as the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders continues to intensify across the Mumbai metropolitan region, severely affecting restaurants, hotels and small food vendors.

According to Vijay Shetty, president of the Association of Hotels and Restaurants (AHAR), the impact on the hospitality sector has been worsening. “On Tuesday, around 20 per cent of the 16,000 restaurants were shut and on Wednesday the number shot up to 35 per cent. The situation will become worse in the coming days,” Shetty said. Many eateries, he added, have already reduced their menu offerings due to the lack of cooking gas.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Congress has alleged that the LPG shortage has caused major inconvenience to residents and small businesses, blaming the BJP-led government for failing to handle the situation effectively.

Party spokesperson and media coordinator Sureshchandra Rajhans said the shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has started impacting hotels, eateries and roadside food vendors across the metropolis. He claimed that nearly 25 per cent of hotels in Mumbai have already been forced to shut down due to the lack of gas supply.

Rajhans warned that the situation could worsen in the next two to three days if immediate corrective steps are not taken to stabilise LPG supply.

In response, the Mumbai Congress has announced citywide protests against the LPG price hike and supply shortage. The party said its leaders, office-bearers and workers will stage demonstrations across all districts and assembly constituencies in Mumbai on March 13 and 14, demanding adequate gas supply, reduction in prices and an end to any rationing of LPG cylinders.