India Faces Lockdown Rumors Amid Modi's Fuel Conservation Appeal, Petroleum Minister Clarifies No New Lockdown Plans Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to conserve fuel and adopt measures such as working from home to mitigate potential risks linked to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. His appeal, which includes reducing petrol and diesel consumption, avoiding gold purchases for a year, and promoting electric vehicles, has sparked speculation about the possibility of a renewed lockdown. However, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has dismissed these concerns, asserting that no such plans are in place. Puri emphasized that India’s energy reserves are sufficient to meet demand, with the country holding 69 days of crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) stocks, as well as 45 days of LPG reserves. He highlighted that the government has already taken proactive steps to address regional instability, including increasing LPG production from 36,000 to 54,000 tonnes per day. Puri’s comments were made during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) annual business summit, where he reiterated that the nation is well-prepared to handle any disruptions. Modi’s call for conservation follows heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have raised fears of supply chain disruptions. The Prime Minister’s directive aims to reduce dependency on imported fuels and encourage sustainable practices. While some experts warn that prolonged geopolitical uncertainty could lead to stricter measures, Puri has ruled out a lockdown, stating that the government has already managed crises effectively without such interventions.#narendra_modi #west_asia #hardeep_singh_puri #confederation_of_indian_industry #confederations_of_indian_industry
