‘Rumours of a lockdown in India are false, no such proposal under consideration’: Hardeep Singh Puri clarifies, highlights 70% increase in commercial LPG allocation of states

Hardeep Singh Puri put an end to the rumors of a lockdown in India.
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On 27th March (Friday), Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri clarified that claims of a nationwide lockdown are entirely unfounded and declared, “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,” he informed on social media to allay public concerns and counter rumormongering which he termed as “irresponsible and harmful.”

Puri added, “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.” He stated that the centre is actively monitoring the developments “across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis” amid the volatile geopolitical situation.

The union minister conveyed that all required actions are being taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direction to guarantee continuous access to fuel, energy and other essential commodities to the people and the government is ready to take on new challenges. He assured, “India has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties, and we will continue to act in a timely, proactive, and coordinated manner.”

Puri further highlighted how the center has been maintaining a steady energy supply for the citizens, which stands in significant contrast to the worldwide developments, in a following post. “When rest of the world has been taking drastic fuel conservation measures such as odd-even, 4-day work weeks, school and office closures and increasing fuel prices by 20-30%, India under PM Modi remains an oasis of energy security, availability and affordability,” he mentioned.

Puri pointed out that the centre has decided to boost the commercial LPG distribution of states to 70%, with 20% dedicated to labour-intensive industries including steel, automobiles and textiles as an additional move to relieve the availability of the fuel. “Priority will be given to those industries where piped gas is not a substitute,” he wrote.

The official letter read, “This letter is continuation previous correspondence regarding the allocation of non-domestic LPG to various sectors (letters dated 16.3.26, 18.3.26 and 21.3.26), consequent to which states have been allotted 40% of pre-crisis quota and another 10% was allotted based on achievement of certain reforms to promote PNG.” It noted that several states have implemented all or a portion of the reforms and taken advantage of the extra 10% quota.

“In addition to the existing 50% allocation above, an additional 20% is now proposed, that would bring the total commercial LPG allocation to 70% of the pre-crisis level of the packed non-domestic LPG,” the statement highlighted. The special extra excise duty (SAED) on fuel and diesel has already been lowered by Rs 10 by the government.

Rumours of an energy lockdown circulate on social media

The energy supply crisis has sparked rumors of a potential lockdown in India due to shortage of fuel and gas as the opposition also attempted to incite the same. “Modi government might impose lockdown in order to conserve petrol, diesel,” claimed Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. He alleged that the drawn-out queues at petrol and diesel stations, including those for kerosene, and the unrest it has stirred within the government imply a looming lockdown.

A user asserted that India might soon face an energy lockdown, as the central government convened an all-party meeting to address the West Asia tensions.

“This man in India stored petrol in a water tank to prepare for a possible oil crisis,” another user posted, alleging that India is moving towards a lockdown.

The center has made it clear, without ambiguity, that the rumors about a lockdown are groundless. Furthermore, the government has taken comprehensive actions to ease public concerns and ensure a constant supply of fuel to them.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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