Jodhpur: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on March 14, Saturday said there is no crisis regarding petroleum products in India, even as the West Asia conflict poses challenges for global energy markets. Speaking to the media, Shekhawat said the current war-like conditions in West Asia have created concerns for several countries, stating that some neighbouring countries are facing serious disruptions.
“There is no crisis regarding petroleum products in India. The war-like situation in West Asia has posed a challenge before all countries. Speaking of our neighbouring countries, an emergency-like situation prevails in Pakistan, while schools and colleges have been closed in Bangladesh”, he said. Highlighting the government’s strategy to secure energy supplies, Shekhawat said India has significantly diversified its crude oil import sources.
“We used to import crude oil from a total of 27 countries earlier; now the government has signed agreements with 40 countries for crude oil imports. We have diversified our supply lines”, he said, adding that while the gas supply has been disrupted, the government has taken necessary steps to keep the supply going. He also said protocols have been put in place to prevent black marketing and hoarding of petroleum products.
Responding to the criticism over the situation from the Congress, he accused them of attempting to create an unnecessary controversy over the issue. “The Congress has no issue, that’s why they are trying to make it an issue”, he said. Meanwhile, the Union Petroleum Ministry said that the supply of LPG to domestic households across India remains uninterrupted, with consistent deliveries also being ensured for hospitals and educational institutions.
“Uninterrupted supply to domestic households has been ensured. Similarly, LPG supplies are also being provided to hospitals and educational institutions. Domestic production of LPG has increased by 30 per cent as of today; compared to March 5, our refineries are currently producing 30 per cent more LPG. Regarding commercial cylinders, these have been placed at the disposal of the State Governments to facilitate priority distribution. We are requesting the State Governments to determine the priority criteria and ensure that these commercial cylinders effectively reach the intended consumers”, said Sharma.
This comes amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which started on February 28 and has witnessed fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other. Due to the conflict in the region, the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global energy supply, has reportedly been rendered inoperational, affecting the global energy supplies.
(With Inputs from ANI)
