SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged citizens to use petrol, diesel and cooking gas judiciously amid growing concerns over the economic fallout of the ongoing West Asia conflict, warning that global instability could directly affect India’s energy security and economy.
Addressing a public gathering in Hyderabad after inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for development projects worth around Rs 9,400 crore in Telangana, Modi said imported petroleum products should be used only when necessary to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves and minimise the adverse impact of the conflict.
“Today, the need of the hour is to use petrol, gas and diesel with great restraint. Imported petro products should be used only as per need,” the Prime Minister said.
He also advised people to adopt fuel-saving measures including greater use of public transport, carpooling and work-from-home arrangements wherever feasible in order to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption amid the prevailing global situation.
Modi said India has strengthened its energy preparedness over the past few years through expansion in solar power generation, ethanol blending in petrol, wider LPG coverage and promotion of piped gas and CNG-based transport systems.
“Due to all these efforts, India is dealing with the major energy crisis in the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amid increasing speculation over a possible rise in domestic fuel prices as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia, a region critical to India’s crude oil and gas imports.
India imports nearly 85 per cent of its crude oil requirements, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil prices and supply disruptions linked to geopolitical conflicts.
The Centre has also been reviewing fuel, fertiliser and power supply preparedness in view of the evolving situation in West Asia. (with inputs from agencies)
