Hyderabad, 10 May (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today urged Indians to exercise restraint in fuel consumption, describing it as an urgent necessity to safeguard reserves amid an escalating global energy crisis triggered by the US-Iran conflict. Speaking after inaugurating development projects worth ₹9,400 crore in Telangana, he highlighted the new Indian Oil terminal at Malkapur as a pivotal step toward bolstering the state's supply chains and addressing rising energy demands.

PM Modi noted India's strides in solar power, ethanol blending, LPG coverage, and CNG infrastructure, positioning the nation among global leaders despite disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz – a chokepoint for one-fifth of worldwide energy shipments, now severely restricted since late February.

Using petrol, diesel, and gas prudently is vital to preserve foreign exchange and mitigate war-related shocks, he emphasized, reaffirming the government's commitment to energy self-reliance.

The Prime Minister's comments come as Iran blocks non-Iranian vessels through the strait and US naval actions compound supply shortages from Gulf ports, India's primary source for 90% of LPG imports. As the world's third-largest energy importer, India faces heightened inflation risks, yet has refrained from passing on crude price surges to consumers – unlike China, Europe, and Japan, where hikes exceed 27-30%.

Oil marketing firms anticipate petrol and diesel price adjustments before May 15 to offset losses, even as the Centre accelerates diversification, importing from 41 countries and expanding strategic reserves to over 65 lakh metric tonnes. PM Modi praised these measures alongside railway electrification and renewables for curbing fossil fuel reliance.

The Malkapur terminal inauguration aligns with broader Telangana investments, including the Zaheerabad Industrial Park, PM MITRA textile hub in Warangal, and Kazipet-Vijayawada rail multi-tracking. These aim to transform the state into a manufacturing powerhouse, generating jobs and enhancing connectivity via ₹2 lakh crore in national highways.

PM Modi framed the initiatives within the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, underscoring Centre-state collaboration despite political differences. The Hyderabad event, attended by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, signals sustained federal support for regional growth amid geopolitical headwinds.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar