Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has firmly dismissed speculation of a nationwide lockdown, urging citizens to remain calm even as the government closely monitors global energy disruptions and supply chain pressures…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday categorically rejected rumours of a nationwide lockdown, stating that no such proposal is under consideration by the government and describing the speculation as baseless and irresponsible.
Taking to social media platform X, Puri said the government remains alert to global developments impacting energy supplies, essential commodities and logistics, but emphasised that there is no cause for panic. He assured that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted access to fuel and critical resources across the country.
“The global situation remains in flux, but India is fully prepared to handle emerging challenges in a proactive and coordinated manner,” Puri said, reiterating that rumours suggesting a lockdown are “completely false” and warning against attempts to create unnecessary panic among citizens.
His clarification comes amid rising speculation triggered by global oil and gas supply concerns, as well as anxieties over the availability of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The rumours also gained traction online due to references to “preparedness” made by the Prime Minister in recent parliamentary remarks, which officials later clarified were taken out of context.
The confusion coincided with the anniversary of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, further amplifying fears. However, the government reiterated that any mention of “COVID-like preparedness” relates strictly to administrative readiness and contingency planning, not to restrictions on movement or economic activity.
Separately, Puri defended the Centre’s decision to cut excise duties on petrol and diesel by Rs 10 per litre, stating that the government chose to absorb financial losses to protect citizens from surging global crude prices. He noted that international oil prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, affecting fuel costs worldwide.
According to Puri, the government faced two choices — either pass on the steep price increases to consumers or bear the burden itself. He said the Modi government opted for the latter, continuing its approach since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, to shield Indian consumers from global volatility.
He added that the government has taken a significant hit on tax revenues to reduce the losses of oil marketing companies, which are currently facing heavy under-recoveries due to elevated crude prices. Additional measures include imposing export taxes on refined fuels to manage domestic supply and granting customs duty relief on imported aviation turbine fuel.
The developments come against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global energy markets, though recent trends show a slight easing in crude prices.
