Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence in New Delhi to review measures taken by various ministries in response to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
This was the second special CCS meeting on the issue, focusing on safeguarding citizens and ensuring uninterrupted availability of essential commodities.
Focus on Availability of Essential Supplies
During the meeting, the Prime Minister assessed the availability of critical supplies for the common man, including:
- Fertilisers for upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons
- Petroleum products such as LPG and LNG
- Power supply during peak summer demand
Officials assured that domestic LPG prices remain unchanged, and adequate steps are being taken to prevent hoarding and black marketing.
Measures Across Key Sectors
The CCS reviewed interventions across multiple sectors to mitigate the impact of global disruptions:
- Agriculture and fertilisers
- Shipping and logistics
- Civil aviation
- MSMEs
Discussions also included diversification of supply sources for energy and fertilisers, along with potential fuel duty adjustments and power sector measures.
Steps to Ensure Energy and Power Stability
The Cabinet Secretary briefed that:
- Adequate supply of LNG, LPG, and petroleum products is being ensured
- Gas-based power plants (7–8 GW capacity) have been exempted from gas pooling mechanisms
- Additional coal rakes are being deployed to thermal power stations
Efforts are also underway to expand Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections to reduce dependence on LPG.
Monitoring Prices and Preventing Shortages
The government has set up control rooms to:
- Monitor prices of essential commodities
- Coordinate with States and Union Territories
- Enforce provisions under the Essential Commodities Act
Prices of agricultural produce, vegetables, and fruits are also being closely tracked.
Ensuring Public Awareness and Preventing Misinformation
PM Modi emphasized the need for timely dissemination of accurate information to prevent misinformation and panic among citizens. He directed departments to take all possible steps to minimize the impact of global tensions on the public.
Global Coordination and Supply Chain Security
The government is also working on:
- Diversifying global supply chains for energy and fertilisers
- Ensuring safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz
- Strengthening diplomatic efforts to maintain stability
