Government Dismisses Lockdown Rumours As Fuel Panic Triggers Rush At Petrol Pumps

Govt Debunks Lockdown Rumours, Assures Fuel Supply Amid Middle East Crisis

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday dismissed rumours of a Covid-19-like nationwide lockdown, calling them “completely false” and urging citizens to remain calm. “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,” he said in a post on X.

The clarification comes amid panic buying at petrol pumps and concerns over LPG supply disruptions, triggered by escalating tensions in West Asia and the reported closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a key global energy corridor.

Despite the concerns, Puri reassured that India’s energy position remains secure.

“Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel, energy, and other critical supplies for our citizens. We are fully prepared to handle emerging challenges,” he added.

He emphasised that India has consistently demonstrated resilience in navigating global uncertainties and will continue to do so. Puri’s remarks follow recent addresses by Prime Minister Modi in both Houses of Parliament, where he reassured citizens that the government is actively working to secure crude oil and gas supplies from multiple sources.

Highlighting India’s preparedness, Modi noted that the country has built strategic oil reserves of 53 lakh metric tonnes over the past 11 years, with plans to expand this capacity by an additional 65 lakh metric tonnes in the future.

The government’s statements aim to quell public anxiety and curb misinformation, as authorities continue to monitor the evolving geopolitical situation and its potential impact on energy supplies.