DN Exclusive: Petroleum Ministry Makes Big Statement On Fuel Austerity Strategy For Official Travel; Watch Video

New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over the global energy supply crisis triggered by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, the Center on Monday held a high-level inter-ministerial briefing to address public concerns regarding petrol, diesel, LPG and fertiliser supplies in India.

The briefing came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption and adopt energy-saving practices amid the ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Ministries Working On Fuel Austerity Measures

During the briefing, Sujata Sharma Joint Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, responded to a question from Tezzbuzz News on whether the government was considering fuel austerity measures for official meetings and travel involving ministers and bureaucrats.

In response, Sharma said ministries are actively working on plans and strategies related to fuel conservation and austerity measures.

Her remarks came amid speculation over whether the Center would introduce restrictions or guidelines on official fuel consumption following the Prime Minister’s public appeal for energy conservation.

Govt Assures No Shortage Of Fuel Or LPG

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas clarified that India currently has adequate reserves of crude oil, petrol, diesel and LPG despite disruptions in global energy markets.

Sharma said there have been no incidents of fuel shortages or dry-outs at retail outlets across the country. “Our refineries are operating at full capacity and LPG supplies for domestic cooking purposes are being maintained smoothly,” she said.

She also urged citizens to avoid panic buying and assured that the government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia.

According to officials, more than 1.26 crore LPG cylinders were delivered to households in the last three days against 1.14 crore bookings. Auto LPG sales also crossed 762 tonnes during the same period.

Public Asked To Use Metro, Carpooling And EVs

Repeating the Prime Minister’s appeal, Sharma encouraged people to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption by using public transport, metro services and carpooling wherever possible.

She also urged citizens to increase the use of electric vehicles and adopt energy-saving practices in daily life to reduce economic pressure caused by rising global fuel prices.

Cut On Fuel, Encourage Work From Home: 5 Big Appeals By PM Modi Amid Global Oil Supply Crisis

MEA Advises Indians To Avoid Iran Travel

At the same briefing, Randhir Jaiswal said the government is in constant touch with authorities in the Middle East to ensure the safety of Indian nationals amid the regional conflict.

He advised Indian citizens not to travel to Iran and urged those currently in the country to return to India at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Aparna S Sharma assured that fertilizer and chemical supplies in India remain stable, adding that production and alternative supply arrangements are being strengthened to prevent shortages.

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