New Delhi, March 25 (IANS). Amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the Government of India is fully alert about the safety of Indian citizens, availability of gas and fuel, energy security and self-reliance and is taking every necessary step.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told in the Rajya Sabha that the biggest priority of the government is the safety of citizens. So far, more than 3.75 lakh Indians have been safely brought back from conflict areas, including more than 700 medical students from Iran. All necessary help and treatment is being provided to the affected families.
The Prime Minister also said that he has spoken twice to the leaders of several countries in West Asia. India is in constant touch with the Gulf countries, Iran, Israel and the US to restore peace in the region and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
India unequivocally opposes attacks on civilians, infrastructure and energy/transport systems and calls for a peaceful resolution by all parties.
The government said that all the refineries of the country are working at full capacity and there is sufficient stock of crude oil. Domestic LPG production has also been increased and there is no shortage of petrol and diesel. At some places, rumors led to panic buying, but the government has declared these rumors to be false.
The government has also ensured that ships carrying crude oil and LPG are continuously reaching India and backup plans have also been prepared to maintain the supply.
To strengthen energy security, India has increased its sources of oil and gas imports from 27 to 41 countries. In addition, a strategic petroleum reserve of more than 53 lakh tonnes has been created, which is planned to be increased to 65 lakh tonnes. Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and domestic LPG production are also being promoted.
To reduce dependence on foreign ships, the government has launched a Rs 70,000 crore ‘Made in India’ shipbuilding mission. Under this, shipbuilding, repair and recycling capacity is being increased. Emphasis is being laid on self-reliance in the defense sector also.
The Prime Minister also assured that there is adequate availability of fertilizers and farmers will not be allowed to bear the burden of this crisis. States have been told to ensure that the poor and laborers continue to get the benefits of government schemes and that strict action should be taken against those involved in hoarding.
The government has given priority to gas supply to restaurants, dhabas, canteens and migrant labourers. Earlier 20 percent commercial LPG supply was restored and now it has been increased to 50 percent.
Domestic PNG and CNG supply continues at 100 percent, while about 80 percent gas is being supplied to the industrial and commercial sector. More than 7,500 PNG connections have been released in a single day.
Along with this, the government has said that strict action is being taken against hoarding and black marketing. So far, around 3,400 raids have been conducted, 1,000 cylinders seized, 642 FIRs registered and 155 people arrested. Additionally, oil companies have conducted more than 1,500 surprise inspections.
Talking about maritime security, all Indian sailors are safe in the Persian Gulf. No Indian ships have been affected. Two LPG ships named ‘Pine Gas’ and ‘Jag Vasant’ are crossing the Strait of Hormuz and coming towards India.
The Directorate General of Shipping is monitoring 20 Indian ships and about 540 sailors. The control room is working round the clock, and so far more than 585 sailors have been brought back.
The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy are also running 24-hour helplines and helping people. About 4.02 lakh people have returned to India since February 28.
Flights are continuing from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar, while Indians stranded in Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran and Israel are being brought back via Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Jordan.
–IANS
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