India will overcome LPG concerns like Covid crisis: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said India would overcome concerns surrounding liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, expressing confidence that the country would respond to the challenge with the same resilience shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Addressing the NXT Summit, Modi said the government was working on multiple fronts to manage the situation and ensure that global disruptions do not burden Indian citizens.

“I have full confidence in 140 crore Indians that just like the Covid time, we will overcome this crisis too,” he said. “Our resolve is clear — citizens should not face problems due to wars in different parts of the world.”

The Prime Minister cautioned against attempts to spread panic over LPG availability and warned that strict action would be taken against hoarding and black-marketing of cylinders.

He also urged state governments to tighten monitoring mechanisms to prevent profiteering during the crisis.

“I request the state governments to enhance monitoring to stop black-marketers and hoarders in such times,” Modi said.

The prime minister noted that the conflict in West Asia had triggered energy supply disruptions across several countries, but India was taking steps to safeguard its energy security.

He said the government remained in constant contact with global leaders and was working to address supply chain bottlenecks.

“We are making continuous efforts to overcome the obstacles in the supply chain,” Modi said.

Highlighting India’s long-term energy strategy, Modi said the government had focused over the past decade on reducing dependence on petroleum by expanding ethanol blending and promoting biofuels.

“Before 2014, the country’s ethanol blending capacity was only about 1–1.5%. Today, we have achieved nearly 20% ethanol blending in petrol,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that India had also expanded strategic petroleum reserves and strengthened energy infrastructure to prepare for global disruptions.

According to Modi, the country’s strategic petroleum reserves now exceed 50 lakh tonnes, while LPG connections have increased from 14 crore in 2014 to 33 crore.

He also pointed to a major expansion in gas pipeline networks, LNG terminals and LPG distribution infrastructure over the past decade.

Despite global uncertainties, Modi said India continues to move forward steadily and remains a key driver of global economic growth.

“The world is passing through a difficult phase, but India is moving ahead at a fast and steady pace,” he said.