(Image source from: government.economictimes.indiatimes.com)
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference on Friday, 27 March, with the chief ministers of states and Union Territories, as reported by the news agency ANI on Thursday. This online meeting is set for 6.30 PM and will discuss how the ongoing war in West Asia affects India, particularly in relation to supplies of liquefied petroleum gas and oil, according to the agency. The discussion will address preparedness strategies, such as supply chains, energy security, and the safety of Indian citizens living abroad, based on a report from India Today. This meeting will take place following an all-party meeting on the topic led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday. However, the chief ministers of states preparing for elections, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, and Puducherry, will not join the call due to the Model Code of Conduct. There will be a separate discussion with their Chief Secretaries through the Cabinet Secretariat to ensure planning and response efforts continue effectively, the reports indicated.
During a speech in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, the Prime Minister pointed out that the effects of the war may last longer than anticipated and called for cooperation among all. He urged state governments to maintain India’s strong growth path. PM Modi also remembered the impressive 'Team India' spirit shown during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the central and state governments worked together on testing, vaccinating, and delivering essential supplies. He stressed that this same spirit needs to be present now. This meeting is happening amidst growing tensions in West Asia, which have affected important shipping routes and raised alarms about the safety of Indian citizens in Gulf countries. The conflict in West Asia has now continued for four weeks, disrupting trade through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions increased after a military strike by the US and Israel on 28 February that killed Iran's 86-year-old Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran aimed at Israeli and American interests in multiple Gulf nations, leading to additional interruptions in the shipping lane and affecting worldwide energy markets as well as the overall economic situation. The Government stated on Thursday that the fuel distribution throughout the nation is steady, and gas stations are functioning properly despite the current events in West Asia, advising the public not to fall for false information or engage in panic buying. According to a report from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, "All gas stations are working normally nationwide," even though there were instances of panic buying in certain regions caused by rumors. State-run Oil Marketing Companies have arranged imports in advance to ensure a steady supply. Even with worries about possible interruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, India continues to obtain crude oil from a wide range of more than 40 countries, lessening its reliance on any specific route or area.
The ministry emphasized that the nation has enough fuel on hand. "There are sufficient supplies of petrol and diesel available at every petrol station in the country," the statement asserted, repeating its caution to the public "not to trust rumors. " The government also mentioned that all refineries are functioning at full capacity to guarantee a steady energy supply. "All refineries are running at full capability, with enough crude stocks available," the ministry highlighted, adding that the local production of LPG from refineries has been increased to meet domestic needs. With the Strait of Hormuz still closed, the government has implemented various measures to ensure the supply of LPG and petroleum products throughout the country. The announcement pointed out that LPG supply has been influenced by the current geopolitical circumstances, but home deliveries continue as normal. "No reports of shortages at LPG distribution points" have been indicated so far, and the "delivery of Domestic LPG Cylinders is regular," stated the ministry.
