PM Modi Reassures Nation on Fuel Supply Amid West Asia Tensions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Lok Sabha on Monday, emphasizing the government's comprehensive efforts to ensure uninterrupted supplies of petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers. This initiative comes amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have raised global energy security concerns.
Strategic Energy Diversification and Infrastructure Development
Modi detailed a decade-long strategy to diversify India's energy sources, significantly reducing dependence on any single region. He revealed that India has expanded its energy import base from 27 to 41 countries, enhancing supply resilience. Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted key infrastructure achievements, including near-100% railway electrification and extensive Metro network expansion, which have collectively saved substantial volumes of petrol and diesel.
Ethanol Blending and Renewable Energy Milestones
The Prime Minister underscored the success of the 20% ethanol blending program, which saves approximately 4.5 crore barrels of fuel annually. Railway electrification has further reduced diesel consumption by 180 crore litres per year. Modi also announced plans for deploying 15,000 electric buses, reinforcing the shift away from fossil fuels. On the renewable energy front, India has surpassed 250 GW in capacity, with significant contributions from solar, biogas, and hydroelectric projects.
Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Emergency Preparedness
To bolster energy security, Modi confirmed that India maintains a strategic petroleum reserve exceeding 53 lakh tonnes, with an additional 65 lakh tonnes under development. He compared the current situation to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that India has adequate foodgrain stocks and robust emergency plans in place. With power demand projected to rise, the Prime Minister assured that coal stocks are sufficient to meet requirements.
Daily Monitoring and Global Context
Modi revealed that an inter-ministerial group convenes daily to address import-export issues, ensuring supply chains remain unaffected. This proactive approach is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, including threats from Iran and diplomatic maneuvers involving the US and Israel. The Prime Minister's statements aim to reassure citizens and stakeholders of India's preparedness amidst global uncertainties.
