The rumours of lockdown have been dismissed by the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, on Friday, who made it quite clear that there is no such thought being considered by the Centre.
He called the rumours "irresponsible and harmful" in such a situation.
"Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India. In such times, it is important that we remain calm, responsible, and united. Attempts to spread rumours and create panic in such a situation are irresponsible and harmful," Puri said in a post on X.
"The global situation remains in flux, and we are closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis. Under the leadership of PM Modi, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the uninterrupted availability of fuel, energy, and other critical supplies for our citizens. We are fully prepared to handle emerging challenges. India has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties, and we will continue to act in a timely, proactive, and coordinated manner," he added.
Puri then also hailed the government’s decision to reduce excise duty on Petrol and Diesel amid the current Middle East conflict.
PM Modi, in keeping with his Government's commitment of the last 4 years since the conflict in Russia-Ukraine started, decided to take a hit on its own finances again to safeguard the Indian citizen. Government has taken a huge hit on its taxation revenues to ensure very high losses of oil companies (approximately 24 Rs/litre for petrol and 30 Rs/litre for diesel) at this time of sky-high international prices are reduced," Puri said on X.
The Union Minister highlighted that "international crude prices have gone through the roof in the last 1 month from around 70 dollars/barrel to around 122 dollars/barrel.”
According to the Minister, "prices have increased by around 30%-50% in South East Asian countries, 30% in North American countries, 20% in Europe, and 50% in African countries."
"At the same time, export tax has been levied as international prices of petrol and diesel have skyrocketed, and any refinery exporting to foreign nations will have to pay export tax," he said.
"My gratitude to Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi Ji and Hon'ble FM @nsitharaman Ji for this very timely, bold and visionary decision!" he said.
The Finance Minister also reiterated the government's swift action on oil price cuts.
"In view of the West Asia crisis, the central excise duty on petrol and diesel for domestic consumption has been reduced by ₹10 per litre each. This will provide protection to consumers from rise in prices. Hon. PM @narendramodi has always ensured that citizens are protected from vagaries of supply and costs of essential goods. Further, duties have been imposed on exports of Diesel at ₹21.5 per litre and on ATF at ₹29.5 per litre. This will ensure adequate availability of these products for domestic consumption. The Parliament has been notified about the same," Nirmala Sitharaman said on X.
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