PM Modi Unveils India's Energy Security Roadmap Amid LPG Supply Concerns

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed critical concerns surrounding energy security on Thursday, presenting a comprehensive two-pronged strategy focused on expanding domestic infrastructure while reducing India's dependence on foreign energy sources.

Speaking at the NXT conclave held at Bharat Mandapam, the Prime Minister detailed the government's approach to ensuring energy accessibility across the nation. "Our strategy is straightforward. We're building robust infrastructure to increase energy access throughout the country. Simultaneously, we're working toward self-reliance in the energy sector to reduce our dependence on external sources," Modi explained.

The Prime Minister didn't shy away from addressing the ongoing LPG shortage controversy, taking aim at opposition parties for what he described as fear-mongering tactics. He assured citizens that the government is actively working to resolve supply chain disruptions affecting the sector.

Modi emphasized that opposition forces are attempting to spread panic among the public, which ultimately undermines national interests. "There's considerable discussion surrounding LPG availability these days. Certain elements are deliberately trying to create panic and advance their political agendas. While I won't delve into political commentary right now, I must say their actions are exposing their true intentions and causing substantial harm to our nation," the Prime Minister stated.

Acknowledging the global impact of ongoing conflicts, Modi highlighted that the war has affected nations worldwide, including India. However, he stressed that the government remains committed to mitigating these challenges through diplomatic channels and strategic planning.

"The global crisis triggered by war has touched every nation to varying degrees. India hasn't been immune to these effects. We're exploring every possible avenue to address this situation. I've personally engaged in discussions with top leaders from numerous countries recently. Our teams are working relentlessly to overcome supply chain bottlenecks," Modi assured the gathering.

The Prime Minister presented impressive statistics showcasing the BJP government's achievements in strengthening India's energy infrastructure. He highlighted the dramatic transformation in petroleum reserves, LPG connectivity, and LNG terminal capacity since 2014.

Regarding strategic petroleum reserves, Modi pointed out the significant progress made in securing crude oil storage for emergency situations. "Before 2014, India's strategic petroleum reserves were practically negligible. Today, we've successfully established more than 50 lakh tonnes of strategic petroleum reserves to safeguard against future crises," he announced.

The expansion of LPG connectivity represents another major achievement of the government. Modi revealed that household LPG connections have more than doubled from 14 crore in 2014 to an impressive 33 crore currently. Similarly, the number of LNG terminals has doubled from four to eight during the same period.

Drawing parallels with past challenges, the Prime Minister recalled how the government protected citizens from the economic fallout of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, particularly regarding fertilizer prices. He cited the government's intervention in maintaining urea prices as an example of its commitment to shielding citizens from global market volatility.

"When the Russia-Ukraine situation intensified, fertilizer costs skyrocketed globally. Despite international prices reaching Rs 3,000 per bag, our government ensured that Indian farmers could purchase urea at just Rs 300. We've consistently worked to ensure that ordinary citizens don't bear the brunt of international conflicts. This time will be no different—we're committed to minimizing the war's impact on our farmers and citizens," Modi declared.

The Prime Minister concluded his address with an appeal to state governments, urging them to take proactive measures against black marketing and rumor-mongering during these challenging times. He called for vigilant monitoring and strict enforcement action against those engaging in exploitative practices.

"At this critical juncture, I urge all state governments to prioritize preventing black marketing and curbing the spread of misinformation. Close monitoring of ground situations is absolutely essential. We must take decisive action against anyone involved in black marketing activities," Modi emphasized.

The Prime Minister's speech underscored the government's multi-faceted approach to energy security, combining infrastructure development, strategic reserves, international diplomacy, and domestic policy measures to ensure uninterrupted energy access for all Indians while working toward greater self-sufficiency in the sector.