After Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri dismissed speculation of a nationwide lockdown, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday strongly dispelled the rumours, assuring citizens that no such proposal was on the table, even as concerns about fuel supplies mounted.
‘I want to calm down’: Sitharaman rejects claims of lockdown
Seeking to allay public concerns, Sitharaman described claims of an impending lockdown and fuel shortage as baseless.
“I want to assure the people that there will be no lockdown. I am surprised that some leaders are saying there will be a lockdown and there will be fuel shortages. These are baseless. Such remarks from those in the political sphere are worrying. There will be no lockdown like we saw during Covid. I want to assure the people that there will be no such lockdown,” she said.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman further said, “I want to assure people that there will be no lockdown…”
“I am surprised that some leaders are saying there will be a lockdown and there will be fuel shortages. These are baseless. Such remarks from those in the political realm are worrying. There will be no lockdown like we saw during Covid. I want to reassure people that there will be no lockdown like we saw in Covid.”
Hardeep Puri calls rumors ‘irresponsible and harmful’
Hardeep Singh Puri had earlier issued a similar explanation and warned against panic.
“Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me be clear, the Government of India is not considering any such suggestion. In times like these, it is important that we remain calm, responsible and united. Attempts to spread rumors and create panic in such a situation are irresponsible and harmful,” Puri said.
Cut in excise duty to protect Indian consumers
Along with the reassurances, the government announced a cut in excise taxes – a cut in them ₹3 per liter on petrol and zero on diesel – in an effort to cushion consumers from rising global oil prices.
Sitharaman said the move is aimed at ensuring that international price spikes do not translate into higher costs for households.
“Firstly, whenever such a crisis comes to the world and its impact falls on India… Hon’ble Prime Minister wanted the consumer price not to increase. For that reason, we have decided to support the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)… but the rate should not be increased for the public,” she said.
An emergency meeting ensures quick policy response
According to the finance minister, the decision followed an emergency meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Ram Navami.
“Yesterday, on the day of Ram Navami, the Honorable Prime Minister called an emergency meeting… and today we are announcing this decision,” she said.
Focus on supply stability in the midst of a global crisis
FM Sitharaman also emphasized that the policy aims to prevent supply disruptions by supporting oil marketing companies that face higher import costs.
“Prices abroad are rising… such a situation should not arise. They should continue to buy… therefore… there will be no shortage of supply,” she said.
Global oil shock fuels domestic concerns
The Indian government’s response comes as oil markets remain volatile due to tensions in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil supplies.
India, which relies heavily on imported oil, chose to preempt both economic pressure and public concern.
