Impact of conflict in West Asia could be long-lasting, nation must face crisis together: PM Modi in Parliament

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that the impact of the ongoing conflict in West Asia could be long-lasting. Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the West Asian situation, Modi said that, like during the COVID period, the nation must face the crisis together. He stressed that both the government and the people must stand united to overcome challenges.

He urged vigilance against fake news, black marketing, and hoarding, and said priority will be given to the supply of LPG for domestic needs.

The Prime Minister also stated that domestic production has increased and that a smooth supply of petrol and diesel has been ensured. He pointed out that a large portion of crude oil, gas, fertilisers, and other essential goods reach India through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains a challenging route. He added that global efforts are being made to ensure the safety of ships heading to India.

53 lakh metric tonnes of petroleum reserves

• India has secured fuel imports from 41 countries over the past 11 years, helping it handle such challenges.
• The country currently has over 53 lakh metric tonnes of petroleum reserves. Work is in progress to build additional reserves of more than 65 lakh metric tonnes.
• Measures such as ethanol blending in petrol, railway electrification, metro expansion, and the growth of electric vehicles have helped reduce the energy crisis.
• Farmers have ensured sufficient food grain stocks. The government will prepare short, medium, and long-term strategies under a Cabinet committee to handle disruptions in import-export chains.

Two more ships to reach India with LPG
Two Indian-flagged ships carrying LPG- Jag Vasant and Pine Gas- have reportedly crossed the Strait of Hormuz. The LPG on these ships is sufficient for about 2–3 days of India’s consumption. The vessels moved north from the UAE coast towards Iran’s Qeshm and Larak islands and are expected to have entered the Gulf of Oman after crossing the Strait.

Since crossing the Strait of Hormuz can take up to 14 hours, the ships likely reached safer waters by evening. Iran is expected to allow the ships to move along its coast. Carrying about 92,612.59 metric tonnes of LPG, the ships are expected to reach India between the 26th and 28th.