The Indian government has dismissed rumors of a potential nationwide lockdown, amid widespread panic buying at petrol stations and concerns over LPG supply shortages following escalating tensions in the Middle East. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri clarified on Friday that no such plans are under consideration.
“Rumors of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly: there is no proposal under consideration by the Government of India. In these times, it is important that we remain calm, responsible, and united,” Puri wrote on social media platform X.
The speculation about a possible lockdown emerged amid reports of panic buying at petrol pumps and fears of LPG shortages, driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz— a critical energy corridor— due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Despite these concerns, Puri assured the public that India’s energy security remains intact.
He emphasized that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the continuous supply of fuel and energy, stating, “Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji, 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.”
Puri also highlighted India’s resilience in facing global uncertainties and committed that the government will continue to act proactively.
His remarks follow Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent addresses to both houses of Parliament, where he reassured citizens that the country’s oil reserves are sufficient. Modi stated that efforts are ongoing to procure gas and crude oil from all available sources, and that the government has built strategic reserves— including 53 lakh metric tons over the past 11 years— with plans to create an additional 65 lakh metric tons in the future.
