Is India heading for Lockdown 3.0 amid global energy crisis? Here’s what Hardeep Singh Puri said as rumours grow

Amid an ongoing LPG crunch triggered by the West Asia conflict, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Friday dismissed rumours of a Covid-style nationwide lockdown, calling them “completely false” and baseless.

“Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly, there is no such proposal under consideration by the Government of India,” Puri said in a post, warning that attempts to spread panic in such a situation are “irresponsible and harmful.”

Govt closely monitoring situation

With the Israel–Iran war entering its fifth week, Puri said the government is keeping a close watch on developments related to energy supplies, supply chains and essential commodities in real time.

He reassured citizens that India has sufficient reserves, adding that under the leadership of Narendra Modi, steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel and other critical supplies. “We are fully prepared to handle emerging challenges,” he said.

Panic buying triggers clarification

The clarification comes amid rising speculation that had sparked panic buying at petrol pumps and concerns over LPG availability, particularly after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict.

Puri said India has shown resilience during global uncertainties and will continue to respond effectively.

Sitharaman also rejects lockdown talk

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also dismissed reports suggesting a possible lockdown, calling them “baseless.”

“I want to reassure people that there shall not be any lockdown… These are baseless,” she said, adding that claims of fuel shortages were unfounded and such remarks were concerning.

No fuel shortage, govt reiterates

The government has consistently maintained in inter-ministerial briefings that there is no fuel shortage and that a “national energy emergency” is not required, citing India’s position as a net exporter of petroleum products.

To ease local supply concerns, oil companies have extended credit periods for petrol pump operators from one day to three. Officials also noted that India’s crude imports have actually risen, with increased supplies from over 40 global partners—especially in the Western Hemisphere—offsetting disruptions linked to the Strait of Hormuz.