Amid concerns over the shortage of LPG cylinders, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that some people are trying to create panic and assured that the government is doing everything possible to safeguard India's energy security.
Modi made the comment while addressing NXT Summit in Delhi.
"Some people are trying to create panic on LPG. Without making a political point, I'll say they are exposing themselves. Everyone has a key role to play in how we deal with such crisis, be it parties, media, youth, cities or villages," said the Prime Minister.
Stating that no country is untouched by the impact of this global crisis caused by war, the Prime Minister said, "To a greater or lesser extent, everyone is affected by this crisis. India is also leaving no stone unturned to address this crisis. And we are making efforts at various levels."
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The Prime Minister also requested state governments to enhance monitoring to stop black-marketers and hoarders in such times. He also warned that that action will be taken against such unscrupulous elements.
Modi noted that the war has pushed the world into a severe energy crisis, and it's very important how we deal with it as a country, adding, "I have discussed this with top leaders from several countries around the world. Continuous efforts are also underway to overcome the obstacles in the supply chain."
The Prime Minister further said the entire world knows today that if they want to be part of the future, they must connect with and be in India, adding, "Global leaders see India becoming the centre of gravity of the entire world. Despite many global crises, world leaders and experts look to India with great hope; this raises our responsibilities too."
Earlier in the day, the government said there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, kerosene or aviation turbine fuel in the country despite the ongoing West Asia crisis, and urged the Opposition not to spread rumours and fake narratives.
Speaking in Lok Sabha, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri said it is the foremost priority of the government that the kitchens of over 33 crore families, especially the poor and the underprivileged, do not face any shortage of gas.
Domestic supply is fully protected, and the delivery cycle is unchanged, he said.
"This is not the moment for rumour-mongering or fake narratives. India is navigating the most severe global energy disruption in recorded history," he said, adding that crude supply is flowing and gas is prioritised for homes and farms.
Gas is prioritised for homes and farms, and LPG (liquified petroleum gas) production has been stepped up by 28 per cent, the minister noted.
Puri informed that refineries are operating at high capacity utilisation, and in several cases, they are exceeding 100 per cent.
"The world has not faced a moment like this in modern energy history," he said.
Following the joint attack launched by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, the Islamic nation has stopped the movement of oil and gas ships from the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the world's crude, natural gas and LPG flows.
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