Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India had successfully overcome what he described as the "biggest energy crisis of the 21st century" caused by the West Asia conflict, attributing the country's resilience to timely policy decisions, strategic planning and effective diplomatic engagement.
Addressing a public gathering in Rajasthan after inaugurating the state's long-awaited refinery project in Balotra district, the Prime Minister said the conflict had disrupted global energy markets and created severe challenges for many major economies. He, however, asserted that India managed to avoid a major fuel crisis due to the government's swift and coordinated response.
"The willpower and efforts of the new India of the 21st century have overcome the biggest energy crisis of the 21st century," PM Modi said. He added that the government assessed the situation in time, adopted the right strategies, optimally utilised national resources and relied on India's diplomatic strength to tackle the crisis.
Taking a swipe at the opposition, the Prime Minister said that while "some forces" were spreading rumours and creating panic, the government was working continuously to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies. He said the government's policy decisions, diplomatic initiatives and sustained efforts during the crisis would be remembered as unprecedented.
LPG supplies and diplomacy helped India
Highlighting the challenges posed by the conflict in West Asia, PM Modi noted that India imports nearly 60 per cent of its LPG requirements. He said the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict had the potential to trigger a major energy crisis, but India's preparedness and diplomatic outreach helped the country overcome the challenge.
"Our diplomatic relations with foreign countries helped us overcome the crisis. During the war, Indian diplomacy displayed its strength," he said, adding that India was able to source fuel from nearly 40 countries despite disruptions in global supply chains.
The Prime Minister also said domestic LPG supplies remained uninterrupted throughout the crisis. Referring to recent government measures, he noted that the prices of commercial LPG cylinders had been significantly reduced, providing relief to businesses. He further claimed that the government managed the LPG crisis within seven days.
PM Modi also said that public sector oil marketing companies incurred losses of more than Rs 75,000 crore during the period, with the government absorbing the financial burden to shield consumers from the impact of rising global fuel prices.
Focus on self-reliance and Rajasthan refinery
Emphasising the importance of energy security, the Prime Minister said true national self-respect comes from self-reliance. He described the Rajasthan refinery as a major step towards strengthening India's energy independence.
"Today, from this land, a big step has been taken towards self-reliance," he said, adding that the refinery reflected the BJP government's commitment to completing projects rather than merely announcing them.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated the new terminal building at Jodhpur Airport, saying the modern facility had already attracted attention on social media.
PM targets Congress over refinery delay
Criticising the previous Congress government in Rajasthan, which was in power from 2018 to 2023, PM Modi alleged that the refinery project remained delayed during its tenure. He claimed that work accelerated only after the BJP formed the government in the state, crediting the progress to the "double-engine government."
"You know me. The project whose foundation stone I lay is also inaugurated by me," he said.
In another swipe at his critics, the Prime Minister said those who had predicted India's failure during the global energy crisis would now be disappointed. He asserted that India's response demonstrated the country's resilience through decisive governance, strong diplomacy and a commitment to self-reliance.
