The North News
New Delhi, March 28
The Chief ministers have assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the situation remains stable across their states, with adequate availability of petrol, diesel and LPG, amid concerns over the fallout of the West Asia crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a video conference with chief ministers and lieutenant governors to review India’s preparedness amid the worsening situation in West Asia and its possible impact on the country.
Modi said India must remain vigilant and prepared as the regional crisis evolves, stressing that close coordination between the Centre and the states would be crucial in managing any fallout.
He told the meeting that India had experience in handling global disruptions, pointing to the Covid-19 pandemic when the Centre and states worked together as “Team India” to protect supply chains, trade and daily life.
The prime minister said the situation in West Asia remained fluid and required constant monitoring and flexible responses. He said an inter-ministerial group had been reviewing developments every day since March 3 and was taking timely decisions. He said the government’s key priorities were to maintain economic and trade stability, ensure energy security, protect citizens’ interests, and strengthen industry and supply chains.
Modi urged states to keep supply chains running smoothly and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering. He asked them to activate control rooms at state and district levels and ensure officials remained on alert to prevent disruptions.
He also called for advance planning in the agriculture sector, particularly on fertiliser storage and distribution, to avoid any problems for farmers during the upcoming Kharif season. Warning against misinformation, Modi said states should ensure accurate and credible information reached the public quickly to prevent panic. He also asked authorities to stay alert against online fraud and fake agents.
Border and coastal states were told to remain especially watchful for any issues related to shipping, essential supplies and maritime operations.
The prime minister said maintaining public confidence was essential, adding that clear assurances about the availability of essential commodities would help prevent panic buying. He also advised states with residents in West Asia to activate helplines, appoint nodal officers and set up district-level support systems for affected families.
Modi said recent efforts to strengthen India’s economic and supply systems were proving useful in the current situation. He urged continued engagement with industry and small businesses to address concerns and maintain stability in production and jobs.
Alongside immediate crisis management, he called for faster progress on long-term energy resilience, including biofuels, solar power, the GOBARdhan initiative, electric mobility and wider piped natural gas coverage. He also urged states to support domestic oil and gas exploration.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told the meeting the government had been working actively under Modi’s leadership to tackle the crisis, citing measures such as ensuring LPG availability and cutting excise duty on petrol and diesel. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan gave a presentation on the current situation and outlined recommendations for states.
Chief ministers said fuel and LPG supplies remained stable and welcomed the reduction in fuel excise duty, saying it would bring relief to citizens amid global uncertainty.
They also welcomed the increase in commercial LPG allocation to states and union territories to 70% of pre-crisis levels, up from 50%, and said they would continue working closely with the Centre to protect citizens and manage any further developments.
