New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that India has successfully emerged from the ‘biggest energy crisis of the 21st century’ caused by the war in West Asia. Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the state’s long-pending refinery at Balotra in Rajasthan, he attributed it to timely policy decisions, strategy and diplomacy.
How did India avoid fuel crisis amid the war?
PM Modi said that the conflict in West Asia had shaken the entire world. Many major economies were facing unprecedented energy crisis. But due to the quick steps and coordinated planning of the Indian government, it did not have much impact on the country.
He said, "The resolve for a new India of the 21st century has overcome the biggest energy crisis of the 21st century." He said that the government made correct assessments at every level, made effective strategies, balanced national resources and used diplomatic power.
Taking aim at the opposition, the PM said that while some people were spreading rumours, the government was busy maintaining energy supply without interruption. He said that the patience and sensitive policy steps shown during the crisis will be recorded in history.
LPG supply and diplomacy became a shield
PM said that India imports about 60 percent of its LPG requirement. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz posed a major threat. But due to strong diplomatic relations with foreign countries, India averted the crisis.
"Our diplomacy showed strength during the war. Despite the disruption, we were successful in bringing fuel from about 40 countries," PM said. He said that despite pressure on the global supply chain, domestic LPG supplies continued uninterrupted. The government handled the LPG crisis in just 7 days.
Along with this, relief was given to businessmen by reducing the prices of commercial LPG cylinders. The PM also said that despite oil becoming expensive globally, government oil companies suffered a loss of more than Rs 75,000 crore to save customers. The government itself bore this burden.
Big step towards self-reliance
Linking energy security to self-reliance, the PM said that the country’s self-respect will be high only when it becomes self-reliant. He described the refinery of Balotra as an important stop of this journey.
"Today, a big step has been taken towards self-reliance on this earth." The PM said that this refinery shows the commitment of the BJP government which not only lays the foundation stone but also completes the project. He also inaugurated the new terminal building of Jodhpur Airport.
Congress accused of stopping the project
Attacking the Congress government in Rajasthan from 2018 to 2023, the PM said that the refinery project was stopped because of them. The work gained momentum only after BJP’s double-engine government came to power.
"You know me. The project for which I lay the foundation stone, I also inaugurate it," The crowd clapped on this statement of PM. He said that those predicting India’s failure in the global crisis will be disappointed today. India has proved its strength through strong governance and self-reliance.
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