The government on Monday said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or crude oil in the country and urged people not to panic, a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to conserve fuel amid global tensions.
During an inter-ministerial briefing on the situation in West Asia, government officials said India has enough fuel stocks and has taken steps to reduce the impact of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Speaking at the briefing, Joint Secretary (Marketing & Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas said India has sufficient stocks of crude oil, LPG, petrol and diesel.
She said around 90% of India’s energy imports were coming from the affected region, but the government had quickly taken measures to minimise any disruption.
Sharma said there is no need for panic buying as the country has enough fuel supplies of all kinds. She added that the Prime Minister’s recent appeal should be seen as an effort towards energy conservation and reducing the economic burden on the country during a period of global uncertainty.
“There is no shortage,” she said, adding that the government has taken adequate steps to ensure minimum impact on supplies.
Officials said Prime Minister Modi’s message on reducing unnecessary travel and conserving fuel should be viewed in the spirit of saving energy rather than as a response to any supply shortage.
The government stressed that the appeal was intended to encourage responsible fuel use while global geopolitical tensions continue to affect energy markets.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is trying to buy energy from several nations as part of its energy conservation and supply efforts.
On questions related to Iran’s Foreign Minister visiting India, Jaiswal said Foreign Ministers of BRICS nations and partner countries are expected to visit India, and details will be shared once plans are finalised.
He also reiterated India’s stand on the West Asia situation, saying the country has supported peace and dialogue from the beginning.
Ministry of Ports and Shipping official Opesh Sharma said 10 Indian-flagged vessels have safely crossed out of the Strait of Hormuz so far without paying any additional charges.
He added that 13 Indian-flagged ships are still in the region and efforts are being made to bring them back safely. According to him, the welfare needs of crew members are also being looked after daily.