After PM Modi’s ‘save fuel’ appeal, the government gave assurance: ‘There is no shortage of petrol and diesel in the country’

New Delhi, 11 May. The central government on Monday clarified that there is no shortage of petrol, diesel, LPG or crude oil in the country and appealed to the people not to panic. This was said a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in which he appealed to citizens to save fuel amid global tension.

In fact, during an inter-ministerial briefing on the situation in West Asia, government officials said that India has sufficient reserves of fuel and has taken steps to reduce the impact of the ongoing conflict in the region.

During the briefing, Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary (Marketing and Oil Refinery), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said that India has adequate reserves of crude oil, LPG, petrol and diesel. He said about 90% of India’s energy imports come from the affected region, but the government has taken immediate steps to minimize any disruption.

PM’s appeal should be seen for the purpose of protection

Sujata Sharma said that there is no need for panic buying as the country has adequate reserves of all types of fuel. He further said that the Prime Minister’s recent appeal should be seen as an effort to save energy and reduce the economic burden on the country in this period of global uncertainty.

Officials said Prime Minister Modi’s message on reducing unnecessary travel and saving fuel should not be seen as a response to any supply shortage, but in the spirit of saving energy. The government stressed that the appeal is aimed at encouraging people to use fuel responsibly while ongoing geopolitical tensions around the world are still impacting energy markets.

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India is trying to buy energy from many countries

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India is trying to buy energy from many countries as part of its efforts to save energy and maintain its supply. He said, ‘There is no shortage of anything.’ It also added that the government has taken necessary steps to ensure minimal impact on supplies.

Foreign ministers of BRICS and allied countries expected to visit India

On questions related to Iran’s Foreign Minister’s visit to India, Jaiswal said that foreign ministers of BRICS countries and allied countries are expected to visit India and more information will be given when the plans are finalized. He also reiterated India’s stand on the situation in West Asia and said that the country has supported peace and dialogue from the beginning.

All Indian ships safe in Hormuz Strait

During a media briefing, Ports and Shipping Ministry official Opesh Sharma said that so far 10 Indian flagged ships have safely passed out of the Strait of Hormuz without paying any extra fee. He further said that 13 Indian flagged ships are still in the area and efforts are being made to bring them back safely. According to him, the welfare needs of the ship’s crew are also being taken care of regularly.