Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stated that India successfully navigated one of the biggest global energy crises of the 21st century through proactive policies, diversified fuel sourcing, and strong diplomatic engagement, imposing only a minimal burden on citizens even as several major countries struggled. He made the remarks while inaugurating the country's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex in Balotra, Rajasthan.
PM Modi on Energy Crisis Handling
Speaking at a public meeting, Modi asserted that India's handling of the situation would be remembered as an unprecedented chapter in history. He said some forces were busy spreading fear and playing political games, but they must be wallowing in the depths of despair today. The Prime Minister attributed the success to taking the right decisions at the right time, assessing the situation correctly, using resources in a balanced manner, and utilising diplomatic strength positively.
The war in West Asia created the biggest energy crisis of the 21st century, he said. Many powerful nations struggled with fuel shortages, but India overcame this challenge because of proactive measures.
Inauguration of Greenfield Refinery
Modi dedicated the nation's first greenfield integrated refinery-cum-petrochemical complex to the nation in Rajasthan's Balotra district. He lauded officials and workers for restoring the project after a major fire broke out on April 20, which forced the postponement of its scheduled inauguration. Thousands of people in the region will get employment because of this refinery, he said, especially congratulating the youth of Rajasthan. He claimed that BJP governments do not merely lay foundation stones and abandon projects midway, but work tirelessly to ensure such projects are completed.
Blame on Previous Congress Government
The PM also blamed the previous Congress government in Rajasthan for delays in the Pachpadra refinery project. He said although an agreement for the project had been signed in 2017, progress slowed considerably between 2018 and 2023 when the Congress was in power in the state. Because of the Congress government's lack of cooperation, work on the project almost came to a standstill. After the double-engine government came to power, work gathered pace, Modi added.
Project Details and Economic Impact
Built at an investment of more than Rs 79,450 crore, the 9 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) Greenfield Refinery-cum-Petrochemical Complex has been developed as a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited and the Rajasthan Government. The project is expected to boost domestic fuel production, increase petrochemical output, and generate employment in the region. The plant has been designed to process both imported crude oil and locally produced crude from Rajasthan.
Modi said India now enjoys greater flexibility in sourcing crude oil based on prevailing global market prices. To secure crude feedstock and water supply, the complex is supported by an 800-km cross-country pipeline network connecting it to key locations, including Mundra, Palanpur, Mangla, and Nachna.
Government Intervention in Fuel Prices
The PM also claimed that the government prevented a sharp rise in domestic cooking gas prices despite global disruptions. According to him, the crisis could have pushed the price of an LPG cylinder to nearly Rs 2,000, but government intervention ensured consumers continued to get cylinders for around Rs 950. He further said oil marketing companies incurred losses of about Rs 75,000 crore on petrol and diesel between April and June, a burden borne by the government to shield citizens from soaring global fuel prices.
Political Reactions
Meanwhile, former Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot dismissed Modi's remarks as misleading and claimed that 85 per cent of the project had been completed during the Congress government's tenure. It is unfortunate that the PM behaved like a BJP leader even during an official programme and made misleading statements at a government function, Gehlot said. These claims sound ridiculous, the PM should have spoken to people associated with the refinery project, the senior Congress leader added.
