India has significantly diversified its sources of energy imports in recent years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Parliament on Monday, noting that the country now buys crude oil, LPG and Papua New Guinea from 41 countries.
He made these remarks during his address to the Lok Sabha in the current Budget session, where he clarified India’s position on the escalating conflict in West Asia, saying, “Earlier, India was importing energy from 27 countries, and now the number has risen to 41 countries. Continuous efforts are being made to ensure smooth supply of petrol and diesel across India.”
Modi’s statement came after the government reviewed the impact of the crisis on the economy, supply chains and essential goods, and discussed measures to minimize disruption to citizens and businesses.
In his speech, the Prime Minister said that the safety of Indian citizens remains the government’s top priority during times of conflict, adding that Indian missions in the affected area are providing all possible assistance to the citizens.
“Sufficient coal stocks, no power outages.”
“I want to tell the farmers that the government will continue to make every effort to help them,” Prime Minister Modi added.
The Prime Minister stressed that energy supply remains stable across the country, saying: “At present, we have sufficient coal reserves.”
Prime Minister Modi said he has seen “some people spreading lies” and there are reports of a black market. “I have asked the state governments to ensure stricter action in such cases,” the Prime Minister added.
“The government has given priority to domestic LPG consumers,” Modi says.
“As we all know, the country imports 60% of its LPG requirement. Given the supply uncertainty, the government has prioritized domestic LPG consumers,” the Prime Minister said.
“At the same time, domestic production of LPG is also being increased. Continuing efforts have also been made to ensure that gasoline and diesel supplies remain smooth across the country.” He added.
Highlighting the efforts made by the government, Prime Minister Modi said: “Since the war began, ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has become very difficult. Despite this, our government has made efforts to ensure that supplies of petrol, diesel and gas are not severely affected.”
“A large amount of crude oil, gas, fertilizers and many essential materials come to India through the Strait of Hormuz,” he added.
Modi also said that the current situation in West Asia is “worrying.”
He added, “This crisis has been going on for more than three weeks, and it has a very negative impact on the global economy and people’s lives. The entire world urges all parties to resolve this crisis as quickly as possible.”
