No Nationwide Lockdown, LPG Production Up by 40%; PM Modi to Meet All CMs Tonight.

The government stated on Friday that a nationwide lockdown will not be imposed. All refineries are currently operating at 100% capacity or higher. LPG production in the country has increased by 40%. Since March 14, 30,000 tons of commercial LPG have been supplied. Priority has been accorded to restaurants and *dhabas* (roadside eateries).

This information was provided by Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum. Earlier this morning, three government ministers also refuted reports regarding the imposition of a lockdown in the country. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold discussions with all Chief Ministers this evening regarding the situation in West Asia.

Separately, the Central Government has constituted a committee, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, to monitor the conflict in West Asia. The committee comprises Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, along with other ministers.

**5 Key Highlights from the Ministry of Petroleum:**

**Rising Prices, Disrupted Supply:** The conflict in West Asia has driven up the prices of crude oil and petroleum products, impacting supply chains.

**Adequate Stocks in India:** The country possesses sufficient crude oil reserves to last for the next two months; supplies of LPG, LNG, and PNG also remain secure for the time being.

**High Reliance on Imports:** India imports approximately 90% of its LPG requirements, with the majority of these imports arriving via the Strait of Hormuz.

**Prioritizing Domestic Needs:** The government initially curtailed commercial LPG supplies but has since gradually increased them, bringing them back up to 70% of normal levels. Since March 14, a total of 30,000 tons of LPG have been supplied.

**Crowds at Pumps Due to Rumors:** Long queues were observed at fuel stations in certain areas; however, the government has clarified that there is absolutely no shortage of petrol, diesel, or gas in the country.

**Three Government Ministers Refute Lockdown Reports...**

Rumors regarding a potential lockdown began circulating following a statement made by Prime Minister Modi in Parliament four days ago. He had remarked that the difficult global situation arising from the ongoing conflict is likely to have a prolonged impact. He added that India has previously faced—and successfully overcome—similar challenges with unity and solidarity, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, three government ministers refuted these claims...

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju: Who is spreading rumors about a lockdown? The Prime Minister had clearly stated that there is no need to panic. Hoarders have been issued a warning. To ensure that the common people do not face any hardship, monitoring is being conducted at every level—from the top echelons down to the grassroots—with even the Prime Minister himself personally overseeing the situation.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri: The rumors circulating regarding a lockdown are completely baseless. I wish to clarify that no such proposal is currently under consideration at the government level. At a time like this, it is essential that we all remain calm, responsible, and united.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman: I want to assure the public that there will be no lockdown similar to the one we witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am surprised that certain leaders are claiming that a lockdown is imminent or that there will be a fuel shortage. These are entirely unfounded assertions.

Russian President Stated: The Consequences of War Cannot Be Predicted

Russian President Vladimir Putin remarked that no one—including those responsible for the Gulf War—can predict the global repercussions that such a conflict would entail. He noted that it can only be likened to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in grave consequences.