New Delhi, March 27: The Central Government on Friday completely rejected the news of a nationwide lockdown, clarifying that no such situation exists and is not being considered. The government termed it a rumour and appealed to the public not to be misled.
Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, said in an inter-ministerial press conference that no decision has been taken to impose a lockdown. She stressed that the country has adequate crude oil reserves and the supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG is completely normal.
She explained that the long queues seen at petrol pumps in recent days were not due to any actual shortage, but due to rumours. Global crude oil prices have risen from around $70 per barrel to over $100, but despite this, fuel supplies to the country have not been disrupted and efforts are being made to maintain stable prices. The
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also stated that the situation in West Asia and the Gulf region is being closely monitored. Indian missions are active 24 hours a day and all possible assistance is being provided to Indian citizens, students, and stranded individuals. Amid the flight ban, travel arrangements are being made through alternative routes, while some examinations have been postponed or cancelled.
In this context, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India is continuously engaging with global partners. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is visiting France to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting and, on the sidelines of this meeting, met with his counterparts from France, Canada, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, Britain, Germany, and Ukraine.
According to Jaiswal, these meetings discussed bilateral relations as well as the situation in West Asia. In the first session of the G7 meeting, the External Affairs Minister emphasized the need for global governance reform, reform of the UN Security Council, making peacekeeping operations more effective, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains. He also raised the concerns of the Global South regarding energy, fertilizer, and food security. In the second session, he emphasized the need for stronger trade corridors and supply chains, citing the uncertainties arising from the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to the Ministry of Shipping, no untoward incident involving Indian-flagged ships or sailors has been reported in the Gulf region. 540 Indian sailors deployed on twenty ships are safe. The DG Shipping’s communication center is operational 24 hours a day, responding to numerous calls and emails so far, ensuring the safe return of 25 sailors. There is no congestion or disruption at any major or minor port in the country.
Meanwhile, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Chairman Vivek Chaturvedi stated that the West Asia crisis has led to a sharp increase in international crude oil and petroleum product prices. This situation may encourage refineries to export. To offset this, the government has imposed a special additional excise duty and a road and infrastructure cess on the export of diesel and aviation turbine fuel. The government reiterated that there is no shortage of essential commodities and fuel in the country and the situation is fully under control.