A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity measures, the fifth meeting of the Informal Group of Ministers (IGoM) was held on Monday to discuss the West Asia crisis. The meeting led
by defence minister Rajnath Singh reinforced the government’s message that there is no need to panic, but resources must be conserved, given the fuel supply squeeze due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
“I urge people to remain calm and avoid any kind of panic as the government is taking concrete steps to prevent shortages or disruptions in supply chains,” Singh posted on social media soon after the meeting.
He added, “PM Modi’s appeal for collective participation of people to help the country face global disruptions and challenges is going to be a significant step towards self-reliance and ensuring energy security. It is the prime minister’s broader message about conservation during a difficult global period.”
The meeting was attended by oil and petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri, shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal, civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, MoS PMO Dr Jitender Singh, parliamentary and minority affairs minister Kiren Rijiju and health minister JP Nadda amongst others.
An inter-ministerial briefing by government officials also sought to put to rest any panic, even as the stock exchange felt sharp jolts after the prime minister’s appeal on Sunday. “Though there is price volatility in the global market, the government has tried to ensure minimum problem for consumers. Refineries are operating at an optimum level and there are no reports so far of dry out at retail outlets or LPG outlets,” Sujata Sharma, joint secretary in the ministry of petroleum, told the media.
The government clarification also came as the Opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi, attacked the prime minister on his austerity appeal.
The Chamber of Trade and Industry also expressed concerns over PM Modi’s appeal to citizens to minimise buying gold this year. CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal, in a letter to PM Modi, requested for a meeting to share the concerns of the gold retail industry. “Jewellery dealers want to present their issues related to gold and jewellery in a meeting with PM Modi,” Goyal said.
