Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours and asked people not to panic amid concerns about LPG shortages linked to the widening conflict in West Asia.
The prime minister appealed to the public to only “spread correct, verified information” and expressed confidence that India would manage the situation.
“Spread correct, verified information,” Modi said, adding that India “will navigate every situation successfully”.
Remarks At NDA Rally In Tamil Nadu
Speaking at a National Democratic Alliance rally in Tiruchi in poll-bound Tamil Nadu, the prime minister reiterated that the Centre places the nation’s interests above everything else.
Noting that the conflict in West Asia has disrupted the global energy supply chain, Modi said the government remains guided by the principle of “India first”.
Government Monitoring Situation In West Asia
Earlier in the day, while speaking at an event in Kochi, Modi said India does not leave its citizens stranded abroad and that the government is working to provide all possible assistance to Indians in West Asia.
He said the Centre is closely monitoring developments and coordinating efforts to support Indian nationals living and working in conflict-hit regions.
The prime minister also thanked Gulf nations for supporting Indian workers.
“Gulf countries are giving the utmost care to Indians working there. I am grateful to them for that,” he said.
Centre Says Crude Supply Remains Secure
At an inter-ministerial briefing later in the evening, government officials said India’s crude oil supply remains secure despite rising global concerns over energy disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia.
Officials said the country currently has access to about 55 lakh barrels of crude oil per day, noting that the volumes available now exceed what would normally have arrived through the Strait of Hormuz during the same period.
LPG Imports And Strait Of Hormuz Route
The government also said that India imports about 60 per cent of its liquid petroleum gas (LPG) requirement, with 90 per cent of those imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Sujata Sharma, joint secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, urged people not to panic, saying the government has taken several steps to manage supply disruptions.
