Silchar, 14 March (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the Centre's proactive crusade to blunt the harsh repercussions of worldwide conflicts on ordinary Indians, emphasizing robust energy safeguards amid surging geopolitical tempests.With Brent crude spiking nearly 9% to $80 per barrel and LNG costs ballooning 50% due to West Asia disruptions since late February, India leverages ample foreign reserves, a meager 0.8% GDP current account deficit, and controlled inflation to neutralize import shocks.

Strategic petroleum reserves have expanded significantly, ethanol blending in petrol has surged to curtail crude dependency, and LPG infrastructure—including doubled connections, more bottling plants, and extended pipelines—ensures seamless household supply despite 80-85% oil imports from the volatile region.

PM Modi highlighted diversification efforts, securing alternate crude from Russia, the US, and Venezuela, alongside naval protections for Strait of Hormuz routes carrying 40% of imports, while Australia and Canada ramp up natural gas flows.

These measures avert shortages, tame inflationary pressures on farming and exports, and stabilize the rupee, transforming potential peril into a showcase of resilience as India builds LPG reserves and non-Gulf pacts.

In Silchar, PM Modi reiterated this vigilance shields the nation from war's economic tremors, fostering self-reliance for a secure future.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar