Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, in a meeting with chief ministers and deputy governors, urged support for alternative energy sources in light of the crisis in West Asia, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
During the meeting, the prime minister called for support for alternative sources such as biofuels, solar energy, the GOBARdhan (compressed biogas) initiative and electric mobility, as well as the expansion of natural gas pipeline connections.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic oil and gas exploration with active cooperation of states during the meeting, the statement said.
This comes amid energy security concerns raised by the war in West Asia, particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as India remains the world’s second largest oil importer, relying on imports for about 85% of its demand.
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Center-state coordination
Modi said the government’s priorities are to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, protect citizens’ interests and strengthen industry and supply chains.
He urged states to ensure smooth functioning of supply chains and take strict measures against hoarding and profiteering and called for more focus on agricultural sector stocks, especially fertilisers, ahead of the Kharif sowing season.
The Prime Minister called for special attention in border and coastal states to address any emerging issues related to shipping, essential supplies and maritime operations.
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India has previous experience in dealing with global disruptions like the covid-19 pandemic, Modi said. He also said during the meeting that the situation remains dynamic and “requires continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies,” according to a PMO statement.
He called for constant communication and coordination between the Center and the states, along with timely information sharing and joint decision-making, so that responses are swift and well-coordinated.
Modi warned against the spread of misinformation and rumours, saying timely dissemination of accurate and credible information was essential to avoid panic. He also advised vigilance against online scams and fake agents.
States with citizens in West Asia should activate helplines, appoint nodal officers and establish district-level support systems to help affected families and ensure timely flow of information, he said.
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Modi asked the states to keep a constant check on the situation at the chief secretary level and at the district level so that a quick response could be made to the evolving situations.
At the meeting, Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said the government is working to ensure timely availability of LPG and to reduce excise duty on petrol and diesel.
The February 28 US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliation disrupted global supply chains, raising concerns about LPG shortages in India. Industries, including restaurants, have curtailed operations or switched to alternative fuels. The government has revised the mandatory LPG reservation gaps to 25 days for urban households and 45 days for rural areas, from 21 days.
