PM chairs CCS meet on Middle East conflict, orders urgent steps to secure supplies and curb price risks | India News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a special meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict, directing ministries to take urgent steps to safeguard essential supplies and protect citizens.“The Prime Minister directed that all efforts should be made to protect citizens from the impact of this conflict,” the government statement said, adding that the high-level panel had assessed measures across energy, fertilisers, agriculture, logistics and MSMEs.The meeting reviewed steps to ensure easy availability of petroleum products, particularly LPG and LNG, while diversifying sources of supply. LPG prices for domestic consumers have been kept unchanged, while anti-diversion enforcement is being strengthened to curb hoarding and black-marketing.“Supply diversification, fuel duty reduction and power sector measures for LPG and LNG have been reviewed to ensure stability of essential supplies,” the government said.The Prime Minister also assessed the power situation, with officials highlighting measures such as additional coal supply to thermal plants and easing norms for gas-based power generation.“Sufficient coal reserves exist which will adequately meet the electricity demand in the coming months,” the notification noted.On fertilisers, the government said it is maintaining urea production and coordinating with foreign suppliers for DAP and NPKS to ensure adequate availability during Kharif and Rabi seasons. States are asked to act strictly against hoarding and diversion through surveillance and enforcement.CCS has also reviewed the price trends of essential commodities along with setting up control rooms for real-time coordination with states and Union Territories under the Essential Commodities Act.Steps are being taken to ensure price stability of essential commodities and strict measures are being taken against hoarding and black market, the statement said.The Prime Minister stressed the importance of clear communication amid the growing crisis.“The Prime Minister emphasized the need for timely and smooth flow of accurate information to the public to prevent the spread of misinformation and rumours,” it added.The meeting also discussed global efforts for safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and broader initiatives to stabilize supply chains.Officials said that enhanced coordination was being done at the central, state and district levels, with the prime minister directing all departments to “take all possible steps to address the problems of citizens and sectors affected by the ongoing global situation”.
