Hardeep Puri Assures: No Fuel Shortage in India
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 12 (NationPress) India is not facing any fuel shortages, as confirmed by Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday. He urged citizens to refrain from spreading false narratives and rumors.
During a session in Parliament, the minister reaffirmed that India's energy supply is stable.
"The crude oil supply situation in India is robust, and the volumes secured far exceed what would have been obtained from the Strait of Hormuz. This is a result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's exceptional diplomatic efforts and goodwill, which have allowed India to secure crude volumes surpassing those that could have come from the disrupted Strait of Hormuz during this timeframe," Puri stated emphatically.
He noted that India is diversifying its energy import sources beyond West Asia, especially amid increasing geopolitical tensions, while ensuring that domestic gas supplies remain consistent.
The nation continues to import energy from various sources and routes (India currently imports crude from approximately 40 nations), ensuring that fuel availability remains steady despite ongoing regional conflicts. According to Puri, the government has guaranteed that domestic consumers will continue to receive complete supplies of compressed natural gas (CNG) and piped natural gas (PNG).
The minister reiterated that the government is dedicated to providing an uninterrupted supply of affordable energy for households throughout the country.
"There is no shortage for domestic consumers, and there is no cause for concern," Puri affirmed.
Previously, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that India is actively working to assist its nationals in Iran while also addressing shipping safety and energy security amid the continuing conflict in West Asia.
In response to inquiries regarding vessel movements near the Strait of Hormuz, a MEA spokesperson stated: "The External Affairs Minister and Iran's Foreign Minister have engaged in three recent discussions. Their most recent conversation focused on shipping safety and India's energy security. Beyond that, it is premature to comment further."