Balotra (Rajasthan), 04 July (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India successfully overcame one of the most severe global energy crises in recent times through timely policy decisions, strategic planning and an India First approach, ensuring uninterrupted supplies of petrol, diesel and LPG despite disruptions caused by the conflict in West Asia.

Addressing a large public gathering in Balotra after dedicating the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery and launching development projects worth around Rs 1.06 lakh crore, the Prime Minister said the world witnessed an unprecedented energy crisis following tensions in West Asia, with many countries struggling to secure fuel supplies. He said India, however, remained insulated from the crisis because the government acted decisively and placed national interest above everything else.

The determination and efforts of New India have overcome one of the biggest energy crises of the 21st century, the Prime Minister said. He added that the government assessed the evolving situation in time, adopted the right strategy, made balanced use of national resources and effectively utilised India's diplomatic engagement to safeguard the country's energy security.

Highlighting the government's response during the crisis, PM Modi said rumours of fuel shortages had surfaced in several places, but India ensured there was no shortage of petrol or diesel anywhere in the country. He noted that while crude oil prices rose sharply in the international market and fuel prices increased significantly across many nations, India maintained uninterrupted supplies of essential petroleum products.

The Prime Minister said the government remained committed to protecting the interests of Indian citizens while also fulfilling its responsibilities as a reliable global energy partner. He stated that India continued exporting refined petroleum products to more than 40 countries even during the crisis, demonstrating both its refining capacity and commitment to international energy security.

Speaking about domestic cooking gas availability, PM Modi said the government ensured an uninterrupted supply of LPG despite global disruptions. He added that although international prices could have driven LPG cylinder prices to nearly Rs 2,000, the Centre protected consumers by supplying domestic cylinders at around Rs 950 while continuing to implement the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for economically weaker families.

The Prime Minister said the refinery dedicated to the nation at Pachpadra symbolises India's growing energy self-reliance and reflects the country's determination to strengthen domestic refining capacity. He described the project as an important milestone in building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and said it would contribute significantly to Rajasthan's industrial development while generating large-scale employment.

PM Modi also congratulated the youth of Rajasthan and noted that nearly 54,000 newly recruited candidates received appointment letters for government jobs during the programme. He said infrastructure development and employment generation are progressing simultaneously under the government's development agenda.

Referring to the refinery project, the Prime Minister praised engineers, workers and officials for completing the project despite various challenges. He said their dedication and commitment reflected the spirit of New India, which does not stop after laying foundation stones but ensures projects are completed and dedicated to the people.

The Prime Minister announced that the Jaipur Metro network will be expanded to improve urban mobility and support the state's growing infrastructure needs. He also highlighted the launch, inauguration and foundation laying of projects worth around Rs 1.06 lakh crore covering petrochemicals, railways, roads, urban transport, renewable energy, power transmission and aviation.

Earlier in the day,PM Modi dedicated the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery at Pachpadra to the nation, launched the Modified UDAN Scheme to strengthen regional air connectivity, and inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport. He also flagged off the refinery's first fuel tankers and interacted with engineers, workers, apprentices and students associated with the project.

The programme was attended by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, senior officials of the Central and Rajasthan governments, and representatives of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.

Concluding his address, Prime Minister Modi said New India does not retreat in the face of challenges. He asserted that every crisis presents an opportunity for the country to emerge stronger, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening infrastructure, ensuring energy security, creating employment opportunities and accelerating India's journey towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar