Daijiworld Media Network - Karnal

Karnal, Mar 26: Union minister Manohar Lal on Thursday assured that India is well-equipped to handle potential disruptions in petroleum and gas supplies amid global conflicts and geopolitical tensions. Addressing reporters, he emphasized that there is “no need to panic” at present.

Highlighting the global nature of the challenge, the minister noted that ongoing wars and international disputes could impact energy imports worldwide, not just in India. “This is not only an Indian issue, but also an international concern. Conflicts in some countries can significantly affect the supply of petroleum products and gas,” he said.

Despite these risks, he reassured that India’s energy supply remains stable. “Currently, everything is running smoothly, and there is no problem,” he added.

Manohar Lal stressed that the government has taken extensive measures to ensure energy security. “We follow the principle — hope for the best, prepare for the worst. The government has made all necessary arrangements so that even if challenges arise in the future, we can manage them effectively,” he said.

He also highlighted that India maintains sufficient reserves of petrol, LPG, and other critical fuels, ensuring readiness for any situation. Linking preparedness to the broader vision of self-reliance, he referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, emphasizing the importance of strengthening domestic capabilities to reduce dependency on imports.

Explaining India’s global trade approach, the minister noted that the country imports and exports resources based on needs but remains capable of managing adverse scenarios independently.

Concluding his remarks, Manohar Lal reiterated his message of calm: “There is no need to panic. If any difficulty arises, we are fully prepared to handle it efficiently.”