Lockdown reports‘harmful, baseless’, says govt, allays fear

NEW DELHI: Govt on Friday dismissed reports circulating on social media about a possible lockdown amid concerns over energy supplies due to the conflict in West Asia, with Cabinet ministers Amit Shah, Hardeep Singh Puri and Nirmala Sitharaman terming the claims mere “rumours” and ruling out any such move.

Home minister Shah accused opposition parties of spreading panic over the West Asia crisis, including the claim that a lockdown may be imposed. “I want to assure everyone. Do not fear, nothing will happen. We have adequate reserves of petroleum products,” he said.




While many countries had taken emergency measures, India was working to tide over the crisis without compromising the daily lives of people, he said, adding that it had ensured regular gas supply to homemakers.

Puri said attempts to spread panic were “harmful and irresponsible” and urged people to remain “calm, responsible and united”. He said, “Rumours of a lockdown in India are completely false. Let me state this clearly — there is no such proposal under consideration by govt of India.” The petroleum minister added that while the global situation remained in flux, India had consistently demonstrated resilience during such uncertainties.

He said govt was closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains and essential commodities in real time, and was taking the necessary steps to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel and other critical supplies. “We are fully prepared to handle emerging challenges,” Puri said.

Finance minister Sitharaman also dismissed the claims as “baseless”, expressing concern over statements by some netas suggesting shortages and restrictions. “I want to reassure people that there shall be no lockdown. Such remarks coming from those in political domains are worrisome,” she said, reiterating that there would be no repeat of the restrictions seen during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Govt said on Thursday that two months of oil supplies and one month of LPG supplies were already available in the country. An additional two months of crude supplies had been arranged and more LPG cargo was en route from different countries, it added.

Briefing reporters, petroleum ministry officials said panic buying and long queues at petrol pumps and LPG distributors were triggered by misinformation. “There is no crisis or shortage.Our stocks of petrol and diesel are sufficient, and LPG supplies have been ensured,” said joint secretary Sujata Sharma.
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