The Union government told an all-party meeting in New Delhi that India’s energy security has not been affected by the escalating conflict in West Asia. Officials said there is no immediate need for public concern, adding that petroleum products and cooking gas stocks are currently adequate.
The meeting was convened after opposition parties sought a discussion on the impact of the regional war and fears of disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the session, attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, among others.
Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge attended, while Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not participate as he was in Kerala. Representatives from parties including the Biju Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party and the CPI(M) were present, while no representative attended from the Trinamool Congress.
Officials also informed participants that several additional ships carrying essential fuels are heading towards India despite the uncertainty in the region. Responding to questions on preparedness if the conflict intensifies, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said about 60% of India’s cooking gas requirement is met through domestic production, with the remainder managed through imports and planned distribution.
Opposition parties, however, demanded that the issue be taken up for a formal debate in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, arguing that it should not end with only a briefing. Kharge objected to the format and pressed for a parliamentary discussion.
