LPG Shortage: Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has termed rumours of lockdown in the country as “harmful and irresponsible.” Speculations of lockdown increased after the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked about the COVID-19 pandemic in the Parliament recently.
In a post on X, Puri remarked that there is no proposal whatsoever under consideration regarding lockdowns by the Government of India. The minister added that it is important for every Indian to stay united, calm and responsible.
LPG Shortage-PM’s Parliament Speech
Amid LPG shortage and fuel crisis in the country, PM Modi urged Indians to stay prepared and united for a period of prolonged global uncertainty. Modi likened the present-day crisis to the collective resistance shown by the countrymen during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Prime Minister focused perseverance and patience as important characteristics to face challenges of the future.
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In another development, the Union Government has warned everyone against the spread of rumours and misinformation in the context of fuel shortages in the country. The government remarked that those creating a situation of panic are harming India in countless ways. PM Modi urged for strong vigilance against black marketing and hoarding during the crisis.
LPG Shortage: Crisis or Perception?
There is no denying the fact that every country, including India, is in a crisis mode but India has been one of the very few countries that have managed to get fuel tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Moreover, the country has not raised the prices of petrol and diesel compared to many developed and many developing countries that have raised fuel prices by as much as 20 to 70 percent.
India has maintained that there is no shortage of fuel in the country. Moreover, India has fuel reserves for the upcoming 60 days and therefore there is no need to engage in panic buying. Amid these concerns, Narendra Modi scheduled a virtual meeting with Chief Ministers to review preparedness in light of the ongoing West Asia conflict, which could impact energy supplies.
Chief Ministers from poll-bound states including West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Assam were not invited to the meeting. The official reason cited is the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which comes into force during elections. The MCC restricts governments, especially the ruling party at the Centre, from taking actions that could influence voters in states going to polls.
