New Delhi, 27 March (H.S.):
The Central Government on Friday completely dismissed reports of an impending lockdown in the country, clarifying that no such situation exists and no such measures are under consideration. Branding these as baseless rumours, the government appealed to the public not to get misled.
Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Sujata Sharma, stated during an inter-ministerial press briefing that no decision has been taken to impose a lockdown. She emphasized that the country has ample stockpiles of crude oil, and supplies of petrol, diesel, and LPG remain fully normal.
She explained that the long queues seen at petrol pumps in recent days were not due to any actual shortage but stemmed from panic triggered by rumours. Globally, crude oil prices have surged from around $70 per barrel to over $100, yet fuel supply in India remains uninterrupted, with efforts underway to keep prices stable.
The Ministry of External Affairs also noted that it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region. Indian missions are operational round-the-clock, providing all possible assistance to Indian citizens, students, and stranded individuals there. Amid flight restrictions, alternative travel routes are being arranged, while some examinations have been postponed or cancelled.
In this context, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India's discussions with global partners continue unabated. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in France for the G7 Foreign Ministers' meeting and held meetings on the sidelines with counterparts from France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and Ukraine.
According to Jaiswal, these meetings covered bilateral ties as well as the West Asia situation. In the first session of the G7 meeting, the External Affairs Minister stressed the need for global governance reforms, UN Security Council restructuring, more effective peacekeeping missions, and stronger humanitarian supply chains. He also highlighted concerns of the Global South on energy, fertilizer, and food security. In the second session, he addressed uncertainties from the ongoing West Asia conflict, advocating robust trade corridors and supply chains.
The Shipping Ministry reported no adverse incidents involving Indian-flagged ships or seafarers in the Gulf region. The 540 Indian seafarers on 20 ships are safe. DG Shipping's communication centre is active 24/7, having responded to numerous calls and emails to ensure the safe return of 25 seafarers so far. No congestion or disruptions have been reported at any major or minor ports in the country.
Meanwhile, CBIC Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi stated that the West Asia crisis has led to sharp rises in international crude oil and petroleum product prices. This could incentivize refineries to export, so to balance it, the government has imposed special additional excise duties and road & infrastructure cess on diesel and aviation turbine fuel exports. The government reiterated there is no shortage of essential goods or fuel, and the situation is fully under control.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
